OSHA Cites Texas Chemical Manufacturer for Safety Hazards After Massive Explosion

OSHA has cited TPC Group LLC for exposing employees to workplace safety and health hazards after a fire and explosion at the Port Neches, Texas, plant in November 2019. The company faces $514,692 in fines.

OSHA opened an investigation after vapor formed at the base of a butadiene finishing tower ignited and caused several explosions and fires. OSHA cited TPC for three willful violations for failing to develop and implement procedures for emergency shutdown, and 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.”

OSHA offers compliance assistance resources on safely managing releases of toxic, reactive or flammable liquids and gases in processes involving highly hazardous chemicals.

Share on Socials!

Related Articles

Related Articles

California Closer to Worker Covid-19 rule as its cases climb

California moved closer to adopting an emergency Covid-19 worker protection rule following the release of proposed requirements in advance of a Nov. 19 meeting where the standard could be approved, ...
Read More

Prioritized examination program for certain trademark applications at the United States Patent and Trademark Office

Recently the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced a new prioritized examination program for trademark and service mark applications meeting certain requirements. The program ...
Read More

Popov Receives Prevention Through Design Award

Today, the second annual Prevention through Design (PtD) Award was presented to Dr. Georgi Popov for his outstanding leadership in reducing workplace hazards through design methods. ...
Read More