Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CHEMICAL

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the following conditions: ExxonMobil Chemical Baytown Olefins Plant BD-IBN Unit. (a)On or about August 26, 2003, an employee removing the last bolt from a temporary filter was exposed to hydrocarbon liquid/vapor, employee was burned by fire which resulted from opening the filter. Employer did not ensure all hydrocarbon was removed from filter before it was opened. Among other methods, recognized and feasible means of abatement to correct this hazard include, but are not limited to: Steaming the filter, using vent and drain unplugging equipment. Ensuring employees follow NFPA 326 Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair, 1999 Edition, Chapter 3 Preparation for Safeguarding, 3-2.1. (b)On or about August 26, 2003, an employee removing the last bolt from a temporary filter was exposed to hydrocarbon liquid/vapor, employee was burned by fire which resulted from opening the filter. Employer did not ensure internal pressure was reduced to atmospheric pressure. Among other methods, recognized and feasible means of abatement to correct this hazard include, but are not limited to: Ensuring employees follow NFPA 326 Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair, 1999 Edition, Chapter 2 Basic Precautions, 2-1.5. (c)On or about August 26, 2003, an employee removing the last bolt from a temporary filter was exposed to hydrocarbon liquid/vapor, employee was burned by fire which resulted from opening the filter. Employer did not ensure additional precautions were taken when hydrocarbon was present. Among other methods, recognized and feasible means of abatement to correct this hazard include, but not limited to: Steaming the filter, cooling the filter, using vent and drain unplugging equipment. Employer ensuring additional precautions taken as required by NFPA 326 Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair 1999 Edition, Chapter 8 Cleaning Tanks and Containers, 8-3.2 Additional Precautions. *** Certification and Documentation of Abatement Required ***