OSHA Inspection: HETTINGER MAYO LLC.

Issued

Sep 22, 2008

Abate by

Oct 7, 2008

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $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 employees
were exposed to the hazard of burns and/or asphyxiation:
a)   Hettinger Mayo LLC., Larson Compressor Gathering Station, Gill,
Colorado: The employer had not ensured that on and prior to July 18, 2008,
lockout procedures were implemented to ensure that the two new ANSI 600
valves between the pressurized  4" production gas line and new compressor
and
scrubber unit were locked out to prevent the release of pressurized
flammable
gas.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard is to develop and implement a Hazardous Energy Control Program
in
accordance with the American National Standard Institute (ANSI)
Z.244.5-2003
thus ensuring that all energy isolating devices (valves) are identified
and
equipped
with locks and tags.
b)  The employer had not ensured that on and prior to July 17, 2008,
lockout
procedures were implemented to ensure that the new valve installed between
an
existing 300 barrel storage tank and existing 3" drip line was locked and
tagged
to prevent the release of flammable gas. On July 17th, 2008, while
employees
were cutting the 3" drip line with an oxygen/acetylene torch, the 300
barrel
storage tank containing flammable vapor exploded.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard is to develop and implement a Hazardous Energy Control Program
in
accordance with the American National Standard Institute (ANSI)
Z.244.5-2003
thus ensuring that all energy isolating devices (valves) are identified
and equipped
with locks and tags to prevent the unexpected release of flammable gas.
c)  The employer had not ensured that prior to cutting an existing 3"
steel drip
line attached to a 300 barrel tank containing flammable gas, the line was
ventilated and tested to ensure the absence of flammable substances. On
and prior
to July 17th, 2008, while employees of the company were cutting various
sections
of the pipe using an oxygen/acetylene torch, the 300 barrel tank exploded.
Condition exposed employees to "struck by" and/or "burn" hazards.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (See
enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification