CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada Occupational Safety and Health
Administration officials have cited a Fallon oil refining company for three
serious violations stemming from a December explosion that left one employee
seriously burned.
The action announced Wednesday proposes Bango Refining pay nearly $21,000 in
fines. Final determination is still in the administrative process.
According to investigators, workers were attempting to thaw an asphalt
recycle line in subzero temperatures on Dec. 9 using plant steam. A
propane-fueled weed burner was then used to heat the outside of the line.
Steam applied inside the frozen line got into the hot asphalt tank, creating
pressure that blew the top off. Hot asphalt spewed from the top, raining on
a 24-year-old employee who suffered severe burns.
Investigators say the procedures were not part of Bango¹s permitted
activities.
