OSHA Inspection: TESORO HAWAII CORP

Issued

Nov 24, 2006

Abate by

Nov 29, 2006

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

HAR 12-60-2(a)(3) was violated because:
Hot asphalt stored in tank #513, was not kept below 350 degrees F. As a
result the
carbonaceous deposits in the top of the tank started to glow.  Explosive
gases ignited and an
explosion occurred.   Employees were exposed to potential 2nd degree burns
from the
"coke" deposits that flew out from the tank.
12-60-2(a)(3) states "Every employer shall provide safe work places and
practices by
elimination or reduction of existing or potential hazards.  Elimination of
existing or potential
hazards by design, process substitution, or other appropriate methods is
preferred because it
eliminates the need for further employee protection.  When elimination is
not feasible,
reduction of existing or potential hazards to acceptable levels, using
methods such as
engineering or administrative controls, isolation, or guarding, shall be
promptly used.  When
these methods are inadequate to reach acceptable levels, personal
protective equipment shall
be provided and used."
Abatement note:
The employer must do an effective evaluation for the safe storage of
processed asphalt.  The
employer must identify and use the API "Guide for Safe Storage and
Handling of heated
Petroleum-Derived Asphalt Products and Crude-Oil Residua", prior to using
tank # 513 for
the storage of hot asphalt.
Location: Tank # 513.