OSHA Inspection: MFA OIL COMPANY

Issued

Jul 6, 2005

Abate by

Aug 8, 2005

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $1,500 Reduced

Issued

Jul 6, 2005

Abate by

Aug 8, 2005

Penalty

Initial $63,000 · Current $40,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from
recognized hazards that
were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that the exposing
employer did not follow the manufacturer's instructions for the Morrison
Brothers Company
Model 922 Combination Vent/Overfill Alarm to inspect monthly and more
frequently in
freezing weather by someone familiar with the proper operation of the vent
to insure against
structural damage to the tank and potential fire and explosion hazards.
(a)On or about January 07, 2005, at the MFA Oil Company, Marshall, Missouri
Bulk Storage Plant, a transport driver suffered fatal burns when
aboveground
storage tank PC#7 ruptured, followed by a fire and explosion. The tank
over-
pressure and rupture occurred during an off-loading procedure in which the
tank
vent/overfill alarm and the emergency vent failed to operate due to
freezing
weather.  The employer had not inspected the vents monthly, nor more
frequently
when freezing weather conditions existed.
While ultimate responsibility for correcting the hazard rests with the
employer,
feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard, among others:
(1)The suspension of loading and off-loading activities during
freezing, wet weather conditions;
(2)The development and implementation of comprehensive inspection
procedures for tank venting equipment, as specified by the
manufacturer, including a means of access to tank tops for the
inspection of vent operation in any weather with an emphasis on
inspection during wet, freezing weather;
(3)The inline installation of pressure gauges to alert employees at the
loading/off-loading location of internal tank pressure;
(4)The installation of vent covers to prevent freezing winter
precipitation from entering the vents.
Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this violation
(using the
CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition,
documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included
with
your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to,
evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video
evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

Jul 6, 2005

Abate by

Aug 8, 2005

Penalty

Initial $63,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced