re: ExxonMobil interview

I'm interviewing at Georgia-Pacific this week in Zachary

Good luck man

Just remember, it's called a "hitch" even if you will never step foot on a helicopter

Get a New Iberia haircut. Worked for me.

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Coming from a former contractor that worked in Exxon for several years.

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When might that have been and what/where is this spill you speak of?

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But definitely be aware that there are many eyes on you.

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This is good advice. Be responsible in your answers to questions. Be yourself. Be confident and honest in your replies. If you have done volunteer work, at some point inform them of this and that you would like to continue in such activities if you are selected.

If you have any kinfolk or acquaintances that have worked there, that is a good thing...talk to them.

Can be a tough environment. If you meet requirements, it can be a rewarding life and an outstanding standard of living for the area.

Oh, I don't know. Maybe the time Exxon refused to replace a pipe that was leaking jet fuel that eventually caused an explosion/fire in 2015. I happened to be working in that unit just hours before it exploded. I would have burned to death if I would have still been in that specific work area when the explosion happened. The pipe was leaking onto a compressor shed roof. It had been reported to Exxon previously. Or, the time an Exxon operator "verified zero energy" using two block valves only to have at least 40 gallons of oil spew out when a valve was removed. It covered our crew as we fought to tighten the valve back on. Exxon let the oil run into its drains that run directly into the river. I understand that people make mistakes (like the operator not knowing that the block valves weren't working correctly) but for Exxon to make zero attempt to clean the spill is just irritating.

I have countless stories.

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Anyone else interviewing with Exxon BR this week? Also any advice from current employees?

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Make sure you say the word "process" correctly when speaking to an Exxon man.

Well you highlighted all of your beliefs, now why don't you go ahead and give the investigative account and report? What were the circumstances of the refusal to replace a leaking jet fuel line prior to this explosion/fire in 2015 or are you going off scuttlebutt?

ExxonMobil does not allow catch basin hydrocarbons flow directly into the river. Containment to prevent this is job one. Does that mean oil/fluids do not reach the river. Yes, but containment booms and strict reporting requirements minimize it. Generally, the only time this can even happen is at the loading dock on the river.

You sound like someone who got their arse in a crack and likes to redirect blame. Double block valves to "verify zero energy" is a new term for me, is that what is generally called hydrocarbon free and depressurized. I assume when you use the term "tighten the valve back on", you are referring to bleeding the pressurized hydrocarbon via an outlet or bleed line from the shut in line between the block valves? Sounds like someone didn't follow correct procedures.

Were all of your permits obtained and followed in accordance with permitting procedures or did someone take a short cut, if so, who was responsible for this?

Of course, I could be wrong and you are a highly skilled and responsible person who would never put yourself in a compromising situation.

Petrochem plants are designed to minimize at all cost failure and workers risk. Does equipment fail? Yes. Do human err? Yes. Does that define lack of proper engineering, safety or training when a failure occurs?

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The ONLY time I have seen a valve do this was when the pipe was seriously torqued to the point the seat/gate seal was compromised. Still not sure how 40 gallons made it out.

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Maybe, but he is speaking of two block vales and the line between them being "energy free". My guess is that the pressurized fluid containing line between the two blocks was not properly gas freed and evacuated. If this were the case and they started unbolting one of the line flanges to either block valve, then indeed they could have a spill. 40 gallons would indicate a considerable inattention to what a permit allowed. Depending on what actually occurred, this could also have been a bypass arrangement that was not properly evacuated. Who knows?

Hard to say.