US chemical manufacturer cited for 2019 explosion and fire which injured three
28 May 2020
The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited TPC Group LLC for exposing employees to workplace safety and health hazards after a fire and explosion at the Port Neches plant in November 2019. The company is facing fines totalling $514,692 for the blast which injured three workers at the plant in east Texas.
Port Neches explosion - Image: Shutterstock
Homes and businesses were evacuated, and a shelter-in-place order was issued after the large early morning explosion. The blast blew out the windows of homes in neighbourhoods miles away and sent a chemical plume over the area.
OSHA opened an investigation after vapour formed at the base of a butadiene finishing tower ignited and caused several explosions and fires. OSHA cited TPC for three wilful violations for failing to develop and implement procedures for emergency shutdown and failing to inspect and test process vessel and piping components.
“Employers are required to conduct regular inspections and address potential hazardous conditions associated with chemical processes to prevent catastrophic events from occurring,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “OSHA has extensive resources available to help employers and workers understand requirements for process safety management.”
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citation and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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