Substandard Plant Management Blamed for Industrial Gas Pump Fire

Case Overview

This case involves a truck driver who sustained full-body burns a fire at an industrial gas pump. When he began to dispense the gas using the pump provided, it sparked and caused the truck to catch on fire. The individual sustained third-degree burns covering 90% of his body. The plant claimed that all of the equipment had recently been inspected and deemed up to standard. Further inspection indicated that the plant lacked proper management supervision and that the piping systems may not have been grounded properly. An expert with experience in plant management was sought to opine on the equipment provided in this incident as well as training for employees with regards to these pumps and working with contractors.

Questions to the Transportation expert and their responses

In your experience, what types of dispensing pumps should be used in this environment?

Normally, tank trucks are configured with: 1) a pump to deliver the diesel from a tank 2) a meter to measure diesel loaded 3) a load arm or hose to connect the pump to bottom load the truck 4) a combination grounding / overflow system to properly ground the truck and to prevent overfilling the truck 5) electronics to control and account for the loading. The systems can be scaled back to save costs, but most parts, especially the grounding systems, are key safety components.

What is the plant's responsibility to provide equipment that is safe to use for employees and contractors alike?

The best practice is to set the system up so that if the grounding and overflow systems are not connected, or are malfunctioning, the system won't operate. If it is inoperable, it should be locked out for repairs.

If a piece of equipment is deemed unsafe, what is the best course of action for the plant to take?

If it is inoperable, it should be locked out for repairs.

What type of training do employees undergo with working with contractors using plant equipment?

I would expect the person loading the truck to be trained and certified in the processes. This would include familiarity with grounding, switch loading, overfill, emergency operation, pump operation, etc.

About the expert

This expert has 45 years of experience in all aspects of the bulk liquid storage terminal business. His expertise includes training, terminal inspection, oil storage engineering, design, and operations. He earned his BS in mechanical engineering from Tulane University. He then went on to become a terminal manager at two different GATX Terminals Corporation locations. Here, he was responsible for the facility performance of a 12.3 million barrel petroleum terminal and a 5 million barrel chemical and petroleum storage facility. Additionally, this expert became the senior vice president of operations and engineering at Intercontinental Terminals Company where he was responsible for the operating performance of an 8.8 million chemical and petroleum products terminal with 182 employees. Currently, he works as the principal of a terminal services firm in Houston, providing engineering and operations expertise for terminal and energy-related customers.

E-178439

Specialties:

Transportation