OSHA Inspection: CONOCOPHILLIPS BILLINGS REFINERY

Issued

Apr 23, 2010

Abate by

Aug 16, 2010

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106 (b) (6): In locations where flammable vapors may be
present, precautions
were not taken to prevent ignition by eliminating or controlling sources
of ignition:
(a) Coker Feed / Resid Storage Tank 104: ConocoPhillips did not assess,
eliminate,
or prevent
fire hazards or sources of ignition such as, but not limited to pyrophoric
material which can
develop and should be anticipated to develop in petroleum storage tanks.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for
this item.
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
employees were exposed to explosion and fire hazards:
a) ConocoPhillips Billings Refinery at 401 South 23rd Street, Billings,
MT, 59101:
On or before December 24, 2009, the employer did not ensure that flammable
vapors in the
explosive range were controlled in the Coker, Feed/Resid Storage Tank 104.
The flammable
mixture ignited in the tank. As a result an explosion and subsequent fire
occurred.
Abatement note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to
correct the
hazard is the following:
1. Ensure that proper operating procedures are identified and followed
when the
vapors in vapor space of the tank are near the flammable limits.
2. Eliminate all potential sources of ignition.
3. Perform an adequate hazard determination to determine the physical
properties of
the contents of the tank prior to any abnormal or temporary operating
procedures.
4. Follow the procedures outlined in API RP 2023, Guide for safe storage
and
Handling of Heated Petroleum-Derived Asphalt Products and Crude Oil
Residue.