OSHA has cited NuStar Asphalt Refining Co. LLC for 24 alleged serious workplace safety and health violations found at its Paulsboro worksite. Penalties proposed total $105,750.

OSHA initiated the inspection on April 14 as part of its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management. The violations include an ineffective process hazard analysis; no emergency escape respirators in the control room for use in the event of a toxic gas release; operating procedures needing to be updated and not addressing certain hazards; process safety information that did not include piping and instrument diagrams; and emergency shutdown procedures that did not identify and address certain hazards. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

"This company needs to rectify these violations and revamp its safety management system immediately to avoid putting its workers in further potential danger," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Marlton, N.J., office.

NuStar, which employs about 85 workers, refines and manufactures principally liquid asphalt for a wide variety of applications.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Marlton Area Office; telephone: 856-396-2594.