(104al) Hydrogen Fluoride Alkylation in Oil Refineries: A Survey of Union Safety Representatives

Few accidents would be as catastrophic as a full release of hydrogen fluoride from an oil refinery alkylation unit. The authors report on the methodology and results of a survey of 26 oil refineries in the United States using HF alkylation. Employees of those refineries are represented by the United Steelworkers union, and the refineries themselves account for a little over half of the HF alkylation capacity in the US. The survey instruments were sent to USW local unions, and completed by local union health and safety representatives. The survey found serious deficiencies in the effectiveness of systems for mechanical integrity, instrumentation, maintenance, emergency preparedness and training. The authors conclude with recommendations for improvements in process safety management related to the prevention and mitigation of hydrogen fluoride releases.