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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 304477342 - Lou-Con, Inc.
Inspection Information - Office: Baton Rouge Area Office
Site Address:
Lou-Con, Inc.
2500 E.St. Bernard Hwy
Mereau, LA 70075
Mailing Address:
Po Box 3153, New Orleans, LA 70177
Union Status: Union
SIC:2911
NAICS: 324110/Petroleum Refineries
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: Y
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 10/31/2002
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 05/12/2003
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 100553254 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 5 | 5 | ||||
| Current Violations | 5 | 5 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $17,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $17,500 |
| Current Penalty | $17,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $17,500 |
| 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 | 19100147 C04 II | 11/22/2002 | 12/26/2002 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $0 | 12/18/2002 | - | |
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 19100147 C07 I | 11/22/2002 | 12/26/2002 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $0 | 12/18/2002 | - | |
| 3. | 01003 | Serious | 19100147 D05 I | 11/22/2002 | 12/26/2002 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $0 | 12/18/2002 | - | |
| 4. | 01004 | Serious | 19100147 D06 | 11/22/2002 | 12/26/2002 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $0 | 12/18/2002 | - | |
| 5. | 01005 | Serious | 19100147 F03 IID | 11/22/2002 | 12/26/2002 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $0 | 12/18/2002 | - |
Investigation Summary
At 10:30 a.m. on June 6, 2002, Employee #1, a pipe fitter foreman, was burned to death when he and another employee were in the process of removing a large muffler from a 12-in. triangle gate valve. The valve was located on a vent line measuring 30-in. and carrying hydrocarbon products. As Employee #1 worked from a Grove Man lift about 40 ft above the ground, the nuts were removed from the bolt studs which held the muffler in place on top of the valve. A 15-ton Galion truck crane was situated behind the man lift to pick up the muffler and move it to a safe place. The job had been permitted by operations personnel based on the belief that the valve was closed and that there was nothing leaking through the valve. The muffler had been wrapped with a sling to pick it up when the signal was given. When the crane operator was signaled by Employee #1 to begin the lift, a significant amount of hydrocarbon liquid escaped from the muffler dousing Employee #1 who was in the man lift. The liquid found an ignition source in the area, a fire started and spread, engulfing Employee #1. Employee #2, who was stationed on a platform on the other side of the muffler, was less seriously burned and survived his injuries. The crane operator was not injured in the accident. The valve had been in place in the line for approximately 23 years and had not been subject to any routine inspection or maintenance procedures. The valve developed a leak which allowed the hydrocarbon product to seep through to the muffler where it condensed forming a liquid. The liquid, along with an ignition source, caused the fire in this instance. It was later determined that the valve did leak at the seat under 40 lbs. of pressure when tested on July 2, 2002.
Keywords: BURN, FIRE, LOCKOUT, PIPELINE, PIPE, PROCESS SAFETY, CHEMICAL
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 304477342 | Fatality | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 2 | 304477342 | Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported |