When OSHA inspects chemical plants, petroleum refineries and other complex operations, any process safety violations will add up quickly to significant fines.
Example: OSHA has fined Wynnewood Refining Co. in Oklahoma $91,000 for three serious and two repeat violations.
The inspection followed an explosion resulting from the release of flammable liquid and vapor from an open piping system during preparation for maintenance. The facility produces gasoline, butane, fuel oils and asphalt.
The three serious violations were for failing to document and implement provisions of the Process Safety Management (PSM) standard concerning equipment deficiencies, operator training and safe working conditions.
The two repeat violations were for failing to document design codes and written procedures for normal operations and mechanical integrity. These are also violations of the PSM standard and involved the refinery unit’s flare systems.
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