OSHA Inspection: CHALMETTE REFINING LLC

Issued

Apr 5, 2011

Abate by

Apr 22, 2011

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

Issued

Apr 5, 2011

Abate by

Apr 22, 2011

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(j)(5):  The employer did not correct deficiencies in
equipment that were
outside acceptable limits (as defined by process information in 29 CFR
1910.119(d) before
further use or in a safe and timely manner:
This employer does not correct deficienceis in equipment that are outside
acceptable limits
(defined by the process safety information in paragraph (d) of this
section) before further use
or in a safe and timely manner when necessary means are taken to assure
safe operation.  This
violation was documented on or about 10.08.10, where the employer's
installation of an
engineered clamp (MOC#201009079-Bates#1405-1416) failed to correct a
deficient piece of
process piping; a 90 degree elbow that was outside of acceptable limits.
The employer continued
to use the leaking 90 degree elbow which was part of piping circuit
89-090-03, that extended
from Reformer #1 to SATS (Saturated) Gas Contactor Line which conveys the
waste stream
hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). Employees were exposed to the hazards of
asphyxia, fire, and
explosion.
Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19 (d), within 10 calendar days of the date of the
citation, the
employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with
the standard,
including describing the steps it is taking to ensure that deficiencies in
piping systems are located
and corrected.es

Issued

Apr 5, 2011

Abate by

Apr 15, 2011

Penalty

Initial $35,000 · Current $7,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(j)(4)(iii): The frequency of inspections and tests of
process equipment and
piping was not consistent with applicable manufacturers' recommendations
and good engineering
practices.
The frequency of inspections and tests of process equipment conducted by
the employer is not
consistent with good engineering practices.  This violation was observed
on or about 10/08/10,
where the employer did not follow RAGAGEP (API 570, Section 6) when it did
not inspect or
test piping sections that conveyed hydrogen sulfide from the Reformer #1
to SATS (Saturated)
Gas Contactor Line (piping circuit 089-090-03) at intervals prescribed by
RAGAGEP (API 570,
Section 6, Paragraph 6.3 & Table 6.1). Employees were exposed to the
hazards of asphyxia,
fire, and explosion.
Chalmette Refining LLC was previously cited for a violation of this
occupational safety and
health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313023988,
citation number
1, item number 12, and was affirmed as a final order on January 19, 2010
with respect to the
workplace located at 500 W. St. Bernard Hwy, Chalmette LA.
Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19(d), within 10 calendar days of the date of the
citation, the employer
must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the
standard, including
describing the steps it is taking to ensure that piping systems throughout
the facility, including
those located in the pipe racks, are evaluated properly to ensure that the
frequency
of inspections
are determined by the proper service, and are inspected in accordance with
consensus standards,
such as but not limited to API 570.