OSHA Inspection: PELICAN REFINING COMPANY LLC

Issued

2009-07-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2009-07-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3000.00 · Current $2400.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(2):  Runway(s) were not guarded by standard railing(s)
(or equivalent as
specified in 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(i) through (v)) on all open sides 4 feet or
more above the floor
or ground level. Also, where persons entering upon runways become thereby
exposed to
machinery, electrical equipment, or other dangers that are not a falling
hazard, additional
guarding than is here specified was not installed for protection.
(a) Employees who accessed platforms on the west end of the Heater were
exposed fall hazards on two sides of the structures.  A fixed ladder was
installed to
provide access to the platforms that were approximately ten feet from the
ground
level and twenty feet from the ground level.  On each platform, alongside
the
north end of them, where the fixed ladder was installed, no standard
railing was
provided.  Additionally, on the lower level platform standard railings or
flooring
were missing on the east side of the platform where equipment was installed
along the exterior wall of the Heater.
(b) Employees who accessed platforms on the West end of the Heater were
exposed to a tripping hazard upon entering the runway.  A fixed ladder was
installed to provide access to the platforms that were approximately ten
feet from
the ground level and twenty feet from the ground level.  The path upon
dismounting the ladder was obstructed by a large pipe that ran the length
of each
platform.  As a result of this condition, employees were required to
stretch and
step over the pipes from the ladder rather than just stepping off from the
ladder
onto the platforms.

Issued

2009-07-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2009-07-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1500.00 · Current $1200.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(b):  Fixed stairs (or ladders, where commonly used) were
not
provided where
access to elevations is daily or at each shift for such purposes as
gauging, inspection, or
maintenance that is performed.
A. A 6-foot step ladder had been placed at the west end of the Accumulator
of
the Vacuum Distillation Unit to provide access to a sight glass that was
installed
on the Accumulator.  Employees were required to climb up the step ladder
on an
hourly basis to read the liquid level on the gauge.  This condition
resulted in a
fall hazard should the ladder become unstable or an employee lose his/her
balance
while using the ladder.
B. A 6 foot step ladder had been placed at Drum 402 to provide access to a
sight glass
that was installed on the drum. The ladder was used by night shift
operators to view the
gauge because of poor lighting in the area. This condition resulted in a
fall hazard should
the ladder become unstable or an employee lose his/her balance while using
the ladder.

Issued

2009-07-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2009-07-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1500.00 · Current $1200.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.165(b)(1):  The employee alarm system did not provide warning
for necessary
emergency action as called for in the emergency action plan, or for
reaction time for safe escape
of employees from the workplace or the immediate work area, or both:
The emergency alarm system for the refinery could not be heard in other
areas
away from the processing unit.  Areas such as the Administrative Building
and
the Asphalt Terminal Operation were affected.  Employees who worked in
these
areas were exposed to fire and explosion or inhalation of air contaminants
hazards
in the event of an emergency where their escape from the work area was
delayed.y

Issued

2009-07-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2009-07-24 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $700.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2): Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its
disconnecting means or
overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose,
unless located and arranged
so the purpose is evident.
On or about March 25, 2009, at the main electrical control room, breaker
box "C", all
the breakers (disconnecting means)  were not identified or legible.

Issued

2009-07-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2009-07-24 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $875.00 · Current $700.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(h)(2)(i):  Electrical installations, rated over 600 volts,
nominal, having
exposed live parts were accessible to unqualified persons:
On or about  February 6, 2009, and again on March 25, 2009  the high
voltage area was
not secured (locked) from unqualified persons.

Issued

2009-07-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2009-07-24 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $700.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): Pull boxes, junction boxes, fittings, and outlet
boxes shall have a
cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy:
On or about Feb 6, 2009 and March 25, 2009, the face plate to the
electrical receptacle
was removed.