OSHA Inspection: WESTLAKE CHEMICAL LAKE CHARLES SOUTH

Issued

May 2, 2023

Abate by

Sep 20, 2023

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $12,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(j)(4)(iii): The frequency of inspections and tests of process equipment did not consistent with applicable manufacturers' recommendations and good engineering practices, and more frequently if determined to be necessary by prior operating experience.  a) On or about November 14, 2022 and times prior to, in PHH unit at Westlake Chemicals South located in Lake Charles, LA, workers were exposed to hazards associated with chemical release, fire and explosion when the employer did not perform inspection and test based on equipment history and good engineering practice for vessel T-303 (equipment# 60-4090, Far east KO pot).   b) On or about November 14, 2022 and times prior to, in PHH unit at Westlake Chemicals South located in Lake Charles, LA, workers were exposed to hazards associated with chemical release, fire and explosion when the employer did not perform inspection and test based on equipment history and good engineering practice for vessel T-301 (OHC Reactor Scrubber KO Pot).   c) On or about November 14, 2022 and times prior to, in PHH unit at Westlake Chemicals South located in Lake Charles, LA, workers were exposed to hazards associated with chemical release, fire and explosion when the employer did not perform inspection and test based on equipment history and good engineering practice for Vessel T-301 piping circuit.

Issued

May 2, 2023

Abate by

Sep 20, 2023

Penalty

Initial $1,253 · Current $1,253

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(d)(3)(i)(B): Process Safety Information pertaining to the piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) was not compiled, completed and accurate.  a) This violation was most recently observed on or about November 14, 2022, workers were exposed to inhalation hazards when the employer did not ensure P&ID # 56A-10030.26 showed the nitrogen purge connection located on the outlet of the blowdown box for cyclone (G-2202) at OHC Reactor#5 (R-2501).   b) This violation was most recently observed on or about November 14, 2022, workers were exposed to inhalation hazards when the employer did not ensure P&ID # 56A-10041.24 showed the nitrogen purge connection located on the outlet of the blowdown box for cyclone (G-2252) at OHC Reactor#6 (R-2551).

Issued

May 2, 2023

Abate by

Sep 20, 2023

Penalty

Initial $1,253 · Current $1,253

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(d)(3)(i)(D): Process Safety Information pertained to relief system design and design basis were not compiled, completed, and accurate.   The violation was most recently observed on or about November 14, 2022, workers were exposed to inhalation hazards when the employer did not ensure Process Safety Information (PSI) such as relief system design and design basis were completed including but not limited to the following:  a) Rupture disc on the top of the blowdown drum for Reactor #5 dust particles.  b) Rupture disc on the top of the blowdown drum for Reactor #6 dust particles.