HOUSTON — Editor's note: The video above is from Feb. 24, 2020.
The TPC Group plant is facing fines of more than half a million dollars after exposing employees to safety and health hazards during the Nov. 2019 explosions.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited TPC for three violations.
OSHA says the "willful violations" were for failing to develop and implement procedures for emergency shutdown, and inspect and test process vessel and piping components.
As a result, the company is facing a combined total of $514,692 in fines.
An investigation was opened by OSHA after vapor formed at the base of a butadiene finishing tower that ignited and caused several explosions and fires.
“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.”
TPC Group has 15 business days from the time of receiving the citation and penalties to comply, request an informal conference or to contest the findings, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Labor.
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