OSHA Inspection: CLEAN HARBORS RECYCLING SERVICES OF OHIO, LLC

Issued

Mar 21, 2018

Abate by

Apr 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,934 · Current $9,054 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(d): Process safety information. In accordance with the schedule set forth in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, the employer shall complete a compilation of written process safety information before conducting any process hazard analysis required by the standard. The compilation of written process safety information is to enable the employer and the employees involved in operating the process to identify and understand the hazards posed by those processes involving highly hazardous chemicals. This process safety information shall include information pertaining to the hazards of the highly hazardous chemicals used or produced by the process, information pertaining to the technology of the process, and information pertaining to the equipment in the process:  a. On or about October 4, 2017, cumene hydro peroxide (CHP), a highly hazardous chemical listed in 29 CFR 1910.119 Appendix A, was being processed in the Luwa #1 without adequate process safety information. Process safety information includes, but is not limited to:  1. Reactivity data, 2. Thermal chemical stability data, 3. Hazardous effects of inadvertent mixing of different materials that could feasibly occur, 4. Safe upper and lower limits for such items as temperatures, pressures, flows or compositions, 5. An evaluation of the consequences of deviation, including those affecting the safety and health of employees, 6. Relief system design and design basis, 7. Material and energy balances, and 8. Safety systems.    An explosion and fire resulted from the failure to adequately collect and review this process safety information exposing employees to severe burn and impact injuries.     Or in the alternative:     OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 severe burn and impact injuries from the catastrophic failure of over-pressurized process equipment and fire.  a. On or about October 4, 2017, the employer did not adequately sample and analyze wastes that it stores, handles and processes at its facility which resulted in the Luwa #1 evaporator's catastrophic failure and ensuing fire at Clean Harbors Recycling Services of Ohio. The catastrophic failure of the process equipment, fire and flying/falling debris resulted in damage to the structure that included the process operator's work area exposing employees to death and serious physical harm.   Abatement Note: Based on the appropriate characterization of the waste to be stored, handled and processed, implement PSM programs as required by 29 CFR 1910.119.