OSHA clears Tulsa's AirGas plant

Eight months ago, a huge explosion and fire erupted at the AirGas plant on North Peoria in Tulsa. <br><br>Fortunately, nobody was hurt, but some nearby houses were burned to the ground and a next door

Wednesday, April 21st 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Eight months ago, a huge explosion and fire erupted at the AirGas plant on North Peoria in Tulsa.

Fortunately, nobody was hurt, but some nearby houses were burned to the ground and a next door business was gutted by flames. Cleanup continues and Wednesday, AirGas announced that OSHA has cleared the company of its original citation.

News on 6 business reporter Steve Berg gives an update.

Now at AirGas, birds are chirping, and it's a bright, sunny day. "AirGas is good; we've restored everything here on the parking lot, as we did from about 60 days from that time." That time was August, when canisters filled with highly explosive chemicals, began exploding and fire raged for several hours before it was under control.

In November, after an investigation, OSHA gave AirGas a citation and fines for safety violations. But after more studies, AirGas President Mike DuVall says the company has been cleared. "That citation has been done away with, with no fines against AirGas in any way."

We talked to the OSHA office in Oklahoma City, and they agree with DuVall that there is still no definite cause for the explosion. "Our own investigations, insurance, OSHA, fire department, ATF, have all looked at it."

OSHA officials say something caused the canisters to vent too much gas, but they don't know what and they say it wasn't due to any negligence on AirGas' part.

Nevertheless, DuVall says they've taken steps to move their canisters even farther away from possible ignition sources. And they've reduced the amount of gas in each canister so there's even less chance for unsafe expansion. "Just as a further safety precaution, we reduced all the filling of propane and polypropylene by 5%."

The cleanup has gone slower than they would like, but DuVall says the deal they reached requires the property owner to do the cleanup, and DuVall says that person has taken longer than expected. He say AirGas will pave it over and make it a parking lot. And they expect a smoother road this year than last.