Bango Oil cited for 3 violations

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.