Advancing the future of energy only happens with bright, hardworking people focused on innovation in many forms. Team Valero is proud to lead the way in our industry with innovative safety programs and practices. Valero's efforts were recently recognized by American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM).
The Innovation Award recognizes those sites that have developed, implemented, and sustained innovative programs or practices for either occupational or process safety in the fuel and petrochemical industry.
Congratulations to the McKee refinery and the Three Rivers refinery for being two of only three facilities selected for AFPM's Innovation Award for Occupational Safety.
The award highlights Three Rivers' unique solution to a safety related challenge. They designed, fabricated, and certified a metal “super sack support lifting device" to replace unsecure lifting loops on the 2,195 lb. Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (aka “super sacks"). Additionally, a “man-way landing" device was designed to mount on man-ways to mitigate reaching under a suspended load to untie the super sacks, and is now available for purchase on the open market from a third-party company.
The McKee refinery exemplified safety innovation with their strategic development and adoption of a Portable Deluge system to enhance safety during flare line openings. The Portable Deluge system can release water at a substantial flow rate of 267-387 gallons per minute in various spray angles, allowing wide coverage or targeted suppression as required. During this process, team Valero worked closely with the local fire chief and safety equipment attendant, bringing over 60 years of combined experience to the project.
Each application passes through a strenuous multi-level review process that is scored and reviewed by Occupational Safety leadership, before finalists are reviewed by the AFPM Safety & Health Committee.
Our commitment to safety is the foundation of our success. We invest significant resources, training and attention to ensure employees have the tools they need to perform well.
Valero takes pride in being a good neighbor and protecting the environment, and in being a safe, reliable operator and sharing our success through volunteerism.
