Paramount Petroleum Corp.: OSHA inspections and violations

Incident on Jul 11, 2004: Employee is killed in fall through roof hole

At 2:10 pm on July 11, 2004, two Paramount Petroleum employees were burned with 200-degree hot water while attempting to clean the steam condensate Duplex Baske t Strainer in an asphalt refinery crude unit. Employee #1 received second degree burns on his left torso, arm, and leg. They were provided first aid at the inci dent scene and were subsequently treated by Los Angeles County paramedics and tr ansported to Long Beach Memorial Hospital. Employee# 1 determined that the Duple x Basket Strainer used on a steam condensate system was plugged, causing the con densate collection drum upstream of the Strainer to overflow and the downstream pumps to lose suction. Employee #1 diverted the flow from the drum to the drain to isolate the Strainer and then block in the inlet gate valve and two outlet ga te valves and shut down the drum discharges pumps, P-14 & P-15. Employee #1 loos ened the two eye nuts that hold the west Strainer basket cover in place. Employe e #2 offered to help. Employee #2 received second degree burns on his right knee and calf. Employee#2 also immediately left the area and stopped at utility wate r station just north and outside of the control room and used a water hose to co ol off the burned area. Other employees in the control room assisted both Employ ees first aid, announced an emergency and called the Los Angeles County Fire Dep artment. Employee #1 and #2 at the scene. Both employees were subsequently trans ported to Long Beach Memorial Hospital. Employee #1 was admitted to the Torrance Memorial Burn Center, where he was hospitalized. Employee #1was released as an outpatient for further medical treatment. Emplyoee#2 was admitted at Long Beach Memorial and hospitalized for burn treatment as an outpatient.

Incident on May 10, 1999: Employee burned when sprayed by hot asphalt

On May 10, 1999, Employee #1 was loading hot asphalt into his truck to spray on road beds prior to paving. He was removing the Cam Lock cap on the truck when ho t asphalt sprayed on his face and body through a valve that was not totally clos ed. Employee #1 sustained serious burns, for which he was hospitalized.