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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 101820652 - Exxon Chemical Americas
Inspection Information - Office: Baton Rouge Area Office
Site Address:
Exxon Chemical Americas
4999 Scenic Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
Mailing Address:
, , 00000
Union Status: Union
SIC:2869
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: Y
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 01/28/1987
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 11/23/1988
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 360135016 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Current Violations | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 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 | Other | 19040002 A | 02/19/1987 | 04/06/1987 | $0 | $0 | $0 | - | ||
| 2. | 01002 | Other | 19101200 F01 II | 02/19/1987 | 04/06/1987 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 03/12/1987 | R - Review Commission | Citation has been deleted. |
Investigation Summary
Employees #1 through #3 were in the vicinity while a crew of seven contract mechanics under the supervision of three refinery workers were using a crane to remove a reactor head from a plugged reactor in a crude alcohol refining unit. A nitrogen purge of approximately 300 psi was being used to maintain an inert atmosphere inside the 41 in. diameter by 40 ft tall reactor. The nitrogen was inadequately vented, and after the bolts on the reactor head had been removed, the pressure built up and blew the head off the reactor as it was being lifted. The 11-ton head fell onto Employee #1, killing him. Distribution trays and catalyst material were blown out of the top of the reactor, striking and injuring Employees #2 and #3. Seven coworkers were also hospitalized after being struck by the flying debris.
Keywords: VENTING, NITROGEN, CLOGGED, CRUSHED, EXPLOSION, HIGH PRESSURE, STRUCK BY, FLYING OBJECT, PRESSURE RELEASE, REFINERY
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 101820652 | Hospitalized injury | Electric Shock | Occupation not reported | ||
| 2 | 101820652 | Hospitalized injury | Cut/Laceration | Occupation not reported | ||
| 3 | 101820652 | Fatality | Fracture | Occupation not reported |