The CSB issues safety recommendations to prevent the recurrence or reduce the likelihood or consequences of similar incidents or hazards in the future. Recommendations are issued to a variety of parties, including government entities, safety organizations, trade unions, trade associations, corporations, emergency response organizations, educational institutions, and public interest groups. Recommendations are published in CSB reports and are closed only by vote of the Board. The CSB tracks all recommendations and communicates regularly with recommendations recipients to ensure that the recommended corrective actions are implemented.

For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions about CSB recommendations.


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Recommendations

Aghorn Operating Waterflood Station Hydrogen Sulfide Release (9 Recommendations)
Aghorn Operating Inc. (7 Recommendations)
Open: 71% | Closed: 29%

Final Report Released On: May 21, 2021

2020-01-I-TX-1

For all waterflood stations where the potential exists to expose workers or non-employees to H2S concentrations at or above 10 ppm, mandate the use of personal H2S detection devices as an integral part of every employee or visitor personal protective equipment (PPE) kit prior to entering the vicinity of the facility. Ensure detector use is in accordance with manufacturer specifications.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2020-01-I-TX-2

For all Aghorn facilities, develop a site-specific, formalized and comprehensive Lockout / Tagout program, to include policies, procedures, and training, to protect workers from energized equipment hazards, such as exposure to H2S. Ensure the program meets the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.147 and includes energy control procedures, training, and periodic inspections.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2020-01-I-TX-3

For all waterflood stations where the potential exists to expose workers to H2S concentrations at or above 10 ppm, commission an independent and comprehensive analysis of each facility design vis-à-vis ventilation and mitigation systems to ensure that, in the event of an accidental release, workers are protected from exposure to toxic gas levels.


Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2020-01-I-TX-4

For all waterflood stations where the potential exists to expose workers or non-employees to H2S concentrations at or above 10 ppm, develop and demonstrate the use of a safety management program that includes a focus on protecting workers and non-employees from H2S. This program should include risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring of design, procedures, maintenance and training related to H2S. This program must be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.1000 – Air Contaminants and 29 CFR 1910.147 – The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout / Tagout).


Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2020-01-I-TX-5

For all waterflood stations where the potential exists to expose workers to H2S concentrations at or above 10 ppm, ensure the H2S detection and alarm systems are properly maintained and configured, and develop site-specific detection and alarm programs and associated procedures based on manufacturer specifications, current codes, standards, and industry good practice guidance. The program must address installation, calibration, inspection, maintenance, training and routine operations.


Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2020-01-I-TX-6

For all waterflood stations where the potential exists to expose workers or non-employees within the perimeter of the facility to H2S concentrations at or above 10 ppm, ensure that the H2S detection and alarm system designs employ multiple layers of alerts unique to H2S, such as with the use of both audible and visual mediums, so that workers and non-employees within the perimeter of the facility would be alerted to a significant release. The system design must meet manufacturer specifications, current codes, standards, and industry good practice guidance.


Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2020-01-I-TX-7

For all waterflood stations where the potential exists to expose non-employees to H2S concentrations at or above 10 ppm, develop and implement a formal, written, site-specific security program to prevent unknown and unplanned entrance of those not employed by Aghorn, starting with a requirement for employees to lock access gates upon entering and departing the facility.


Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: May 21, 2021

2020-01-I-TX-8

Issue a safety information product (such as a safety bulletin or safety alert) that addresses the requirements for protecting workers from hazardous air contaminants and from hazardous energy.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: May 21, 2021

2020-01-I-TX-9

Develop and send a Notice to Operators to all oil and gas operators that fall under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas that describes the safety issues described in this report, including: 1. Nonuse of Personal H2S Detector 2. Nonperformance of Lockout / Tagout 3. Confinement of H2S Inside Pump House 4. Lack of Safety Management Program 5. Nonfunctioning H2S Detection and Alarm System 6. Deficient Site Security


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary