OSHA Inspection: ARCHROCK SERVICES L.P.

Issued

Nov 18, 2019

Abate by

Dec 23, 2019

Penalty

Initial $6,440 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(i): The employer did not ensure that employee training included methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.):  a) Archrock Services L.P. at 67509 Weld County Road 71 in Grover, CO 80729:  On or before 06/05/19, the employer did not ensure that employee training included methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.).  The employer directed the work of a subcontractor.  The work involved opening process equipment which potentially contained hydrocarbon gases, including natural gas liquids.  The release of hydrocarbon gases triggered Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) alarms on the employee's 4 gas meter.   The employee and subcontractor employees continued to work until a flash fire occurred.  The employer did not provide effective training in that the employee failed to recognize and to respond appropriately to the LEL alarms of the 4 gas meter.  This condition exposed the employee and employees of the subcontractor to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Nov 18, 2019

Abate by

Dec 23, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(iii): Employee training did not include the measures employees can take to protect themselves from chemical hazards, including specific procedures the employer had implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures and personal protective equipment to be used:  a)  Archrock Services L.P. at 67509 Weld County Road 71 in Grover, CO 80729:  On or before 06/05/19, the employer did not ensure that employee training included the measures employees can take to protect themselves from chemical hazards, including specific procedures the employer had implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures and personal protective equipment to be used.  The employer directed the work of a subcontractor.  The work involved opening process equipment which potentially contained hydrocarbon gases, including natural gas liquids.  The release of hydrocarbon gases triggered Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) alarms on the employee's 4 gas meter.   The employee and subcontractor employees continued to work until a flash fire occurred.  The employer did not provide effective training, in that the employee did not recognize that using a non-intrinsically safe impact wrench in the presence of LEL alarms, signifying the presence of flammable gases, acted as an ignition source for a fire or explosion.  This condition exposed the employee and employees of the subcontractor to fire and explosion hazards.