The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Enbridge G&P for two alleged willful and five alleged serious violations following a chemical release at its Bryans Mill gas-treating plant in Douglasville, Texas. One person died from the release of hydrogen sulfide.
Willful violations, by OSHA's definition, are committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements or with "plain indifference" to employee safety and health.
OSHA's investigation began Jan. 10, 2010, following the fatality, which occurred when four workers were replacing a faulty valve on the waste heat boiler in the sulfur plant and hydrogen sulfide was released, according to the federal agency. A second employee was critically injured in the incident.
A willful violation was issued for allegedly failing to develop and implement safe work practices for workers who process equipment or piping or who are exposed to airborne concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in excess of 50 parts per million. The second willful violation was issued for allegedly failing to provide workers with required personal protective equipment, in this case respirators.
The alleged serious violations include failing to review current operating procedures, to inform contract workers of the known potential fire, explosion or toxic release hazards related to the contractor's work; and to use flame-resistant clothing when breaking lines, valves and/or opening equipment.
OSHA has assessed penalties of $152,100.
Enbridge has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for a conference with an area OSHA director or contest the citations.
