Sunoco refineries are using a program to provide more oversight for “specialty contractors”. These specialty contractors perform refinery process safety maintenance work that is not typically done on a regular schedule. Since these contractors are not in the refinery on a daily basis, they may not be as familiar with Sunoco safety requirements and processes.
The program takes steps to identify specialty contractors and improve communication with refinery employees who oversee them while they are onsite performing work. The contractor crews are required to check in with their contract administrator or designated Sunoco contact at the beginning and end of each work day. At these times, the crews are provided with any safety updates along with reminders regarding safe work rules.
Additionally, they must complete a Specialty Contractors’ Checklist each day they are in the refinery. Specialty contractors must also take a comprehensive exam on health and safety information relating to their work at the refinery.
Sunoco personnel responsible for enforcing the new specialty contractor requirements attended training sessions. Through attentive oversight and frequent communications, Sunoco is assisting the specialty contractors to be safer, allowing the refinery to maintain a safe and environmentally sound operation.