Summary
A study of the failure in BP’s safety program identified a number of failures to meet standards that led to the disaster. In particular, incorrect sizes of blowdown drums and incorrect stacks were used contrary to OSHA recommendations, which led to the formation of vapor that ignited (US Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board, 2007). The company ignored safety standards in favor of reduced production costs.
Plan
In order to correct the results identified in the CSB investigation, BP needs to review safety standards regarding blowdown drums and stacks. First of all, the company needs to review the procedures in accordance with OSHA requirements. Additionally, BP needs to develop adequate protocols for selecting suitable disposal drums, as well as prioritizing safety over cost. The main objective is to develop and maintain safety procedures.
Do
In order to correct the failure, the main objectives at BP America Refinery, which will be required, are establishing adequate procedures and ensuring compliance. In particular, the company will be required to process the revision of existing procedures and the creation of new ones in accordance with OSHA requirements. BP will require ongoing oversight of the implementation of new procedures to correct the failure.
Check
In order to monitor and measure new BP processes, it is necessary to measure the size of blowdown drums and stacks. In addition, it is necessary to constantly monitor the pressure in explosive connections in order to select the most appropriate size of blowdown drums. The company also needs to monitor compliance with the new security procedures and reporting system to ensure maintaining of new safety standards.
Act
In order to improve performance regarding the failure, BP requires a number of internal changes. First of all, the company needs to ensure that the standards are met by employees through training. Additionally, appropriate protocols and a reporting system should be developed to monitor the requirements. Finally, BP needs to ensure compliance with all OSHA standards for other production components to avoid other possible failures.
BP had a number of technical and organizational failures to meet standards, which together led to disaster. The company had imperfect procedures for monitoring safety requirements, which resulted in unidentified technical threats. BP had no oversight and disaster prevention programs, which led to the events described in the report. The company also failed to meet various safety standards prescribed by OSHA, which was a crucial factor.
Reference
US Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board (2007). Investigation report: Refinery explosion and fire.