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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 1558115.015 - Vicinity Energy, Llc
Inspection Information - Office: Boston South Area Office
Site Address:
Vicinity Energy, Llc
165 Kneeland Street
Boston, MA 02111
Mailing Address:
15 Elkins St, Boston, MA 02127
Union Status: Union
SIC:
NAICS: 221330/Steam and Air-Conditioning Supply
Inspection Type: Referral
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 10/15/2021
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 08/01/2022
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral | 1823565 | Yes | Yes |
| Inspection | 1559934 | Yes |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Current Violations | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $29,004 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $29,004 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $14,500 | $0 | $14,500 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Serious | 5A0001 | 03/17/2022 | 05/05/2022 | $0 | $14,502 | $0 | 04/14/2022 | F - Formal Settlement | Citation has been deleted. |
| 2. | 01002A | Other | 19100147 C02 II | 03/17/2022 | 08/31/2022 | $14,500 | $14,502 | $0 | 04/14/2022 | F - Formal Settlement | |
| 3. | 01002B | Other | 19100147 C04 II | 03/17/2022 | 08/31/2022 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 04/14/2022 | F - Formal Settlement | |
| 4. | 01002C | Other | 19100147 C06 I | 03/17/2022 | 08/31/2022 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 04/14/2022 | F - Formal Settlement |
Investigation Summary
At 9:30 a.m. on October 15, 2021, three employees were working near a steam boiler located at a hazardous waste collection facility. Employees #1 and #2 were employed with Clean Harbors Environmental, and Employee #3 worked for Vicinity Energy, LLC who owned the facility. The employees were working near an auxiliary steam system that feeds the boiler automizing steam to the burners and fuel oil heaters when a 6 in by 4 inch fitting failed on an auxiliary steam line operating at a nominal 200 psi. The cast iron tee fitting failure resulted in an explosion and release of high-pressure steam directly into the operating floor outside the control room. The steam release was accompanied by a loud high-pitched noise. Employees #1 and #2 received burned and scalding to the arms and back form the steam release, and Employee #3 suffered a concussion from the explosion. All three employees required hospitalization. Vicinity Energy, LLC did not have a steam trap maintenance program to ensure the proper operation of traps that drain off condensation to prevent damage to system parts and components.
Keywords: Boiler, Explosion, Fitting, High Pressure, High Pressure Pipe, High Temperature, Maintenance, Multi-employer Worksite, Pipe, Pressure Release, Pressure Vessel, Safety Relief Valve, Steam
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1558115.015 | 54 | M | Hospitalized injury | Power plant operators |