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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Motiva Enterprises (2719), Convent

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Below Reportable Quantity (BRQ)

Cause of Problem: Human Factors

A welder in the Plant 21 Piperack released his electrode holder to suspend from the pipe as he maneuvered in the piperack. The electrode contracted a 1/2-inch instrumentation line on a hydrogen line and subsequently arced. The arcing caused the electrode to melt a small hole in the instrumentation line. The welder noticed this caused a gas release/fire. The welder notified the shift coordinator, who in-turn notified the shift superintendent.

Discharge Preventable - Yes

Notes/Remedial Actions

The immediate area was evacuated, as IES and Motiva's emergency response staff responded to the incident. Off-site air monitoring was conducted for hazardous vapors, but there was no apparent off-site impact. The release and fire were stopped via water suppression and blocking-in a valve up-flow from the release point. Several actions will be taken to prevent future recurrences. Communications between Operations, Safety and contractor personnel will be more clear and detailed in regards to the work area, safety issues, and countermeasures. More thorough inspection of each work area will be conducted while determining safety hazards and necessary countermeasures. Primarily, the welder will take care in movement and placement of the electrode during and after use, so as to not inadvertently contact components causing an arc.