OSHA Inspection: EXXON MOBIL

Issued

Dec 21, 2006

Abate by

Jan 8, 2007

Penalty

Initial $5,000

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:
(a)On or about 7/2/06 and times prior to, employees were exposed to the
hazard of fire and/or explosion due to deflagration of flammable material
in the bromobutyl finishing process. (1) There was an accumulation of
flammable material within the combustible or explosive range, (2) The
rate of air exhausted, in the case of flammable gases and vapors, was not
sufficient to result at all times in a concentration, in the hood, duct
work,
and subsequent equipment, below 25 percent of the lower explosive limit
(3) A source of ignition was not prevented in the exhaust system, (4) A
complete inspection of the entire system was not performed at least once
each year, (5) Manufacturer's recommendations for the maintenance of
various components of the local exhaust ventilating system was not
included in the maintenance schedule.  Among other methods, feasible and
acceptable abatement methods to abate these hazards would include
compliance with recognized industry practices such as, but not limited to
NFPA 30 Code for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, ANSI Z9.2-2001
Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Local Exhaust
Systems, NFPA No. 91 Blower and Exhaust Systems and NFPA 77
Recommended Practice on Static Electricity.
*** Certification and Documentation of Abatement Required ***