OSHA Inspection: AUGUSTUS ENERGY PARTNERS, LLC

Issued

Mar 23, 2010

Abate by

Apr 19, 2010

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,750 Reduced

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.  Sources of
ignition may include open flames, lighting, smoking, cutting and welding,
hot surfaces, frictional
heat, sparks (static, electrical, and mechanical), spontaneous ignition,
chemical and physical-
chemical reactions, and radiant heat:
(a)Augustus Energy Partners, LLC at Acker 1425, Wray, CO 80758: On
February 22, 2010 the employer did not take precautions to prevent
ignition in
that an employee was instructed top light a catalytic heater in a
separator shed.
Hydrocarbon gas accumulated in the shed which subsequently ignited into a
flash
fire.  This condition exposed the employees to a flash fire hazard.
Abatement Note:  When engaged in work at a shed with a separator and there
is a possibility
of a formation of hydrocarbon gas, the employer must take steps to control
the hazardous
condition.  Methods to prevent the ignition of the hydrocarbon gas could
include:
(1)Ensure the dump line is extended a sufficient distance from the shed to
prevent accumulation of gas in the shed.
(2)Use heat tape and/or insulation to prevent freeze-up of the dump line.
(3)Use an infrared heater to prevent freeze-up of any part of the system.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").
OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE
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 flash fire and/or explosion hazards:
(a)Augustus Energy Partners, LLC at Acker 1425, Wray, CO 80758: On
February 22, 2010 an employee was in the process of lighting a catalytic
heater in a separator shed.  The employees were not provide a means to
detect
the hydrocarbon gas and because the hydrocarbon gas had accumulated in the
shed which subsequently ignited into a flash fire.  This condition exposed
the
employees to a flash fire hazard.
Abatement Note:  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable
abatement method to
correct this hazard is to perform the following:
(1)Use detection monitors to test the lower explosive limit (LEL) of the
atmosphere in the immediate work area.
(2)Take necessary steps to eliminate sources of ignition in areas where
hydrocarbons are known, or may be known to be present.
(b)Augustus Energy Partners, LLC at Acker 1425, Wray, CO 80758: The
employer directed employees to remove the dump line under the shed which
allowed for hydrocarbon gas to accumulate in the shed.  These gases ignited
into a flash fire.  This condition exposed the employees to a flash fire
hazard.
Abatement Note:  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable
abatement method to
correct this hazard is to ensure the dump line is sufficiently long to
expel gas away from the
shed.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification

Issued

Mar 23, 2010

Abate by

Jun 1, 2010

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,750 Reduced

Issued

Mar 23, 2010

Abate by

Apr 19, 2010

Issued

Mar 23, 2010

Abate by

Apr 19, 2010

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,750 Reduced