Maintenance work is essential to the safe and efficient functioning of a refinery — but it’s also one of the most dangerous times for workers. When flammable materials are present, even routine tasks like welding, cutting, or cleaning can spark fires with devastating consequences. Unfortunately, many of these fires happen during maintenance shutdowns when multiple contractors and service providers are on-site, increasing the complexity and risk.
If a fire occurs during refinery maintenance due to faulty equipment, improper procedures, or lack of coordination, third-party companies may bear legal responsibility. A refinery injury lawyer can assist in identifying whether a contractor, vendor, or supplier contributed to the incident and whether a personal injury claim is possible.
Why Fires Are More Likely During Maintenance
Several factors make maintenance periods particularly hazardous when it comes to fire risks:
Hot Work Hazards
Cutting, grinding, and welding generate heat and sparks that can ignite flammable vapors or residues. Fires often occur when these tasks are performed near improperly cleaned equipment or in poorly ventilated areas.
Improper Lockout/Tagout Procedures
If pipelines, tanks, or equipment are not fully isolated before maintenance begins, flammable liquids or gases may remain present and ignite during repairs.
Multiple Contractors on Site
Turnarounds often involve several third-party companies working in overlapping areas. Without clear communication and strict safety coordination, hazards can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Lack of Atmospheric Monitoring
Failing to test for explosive gases before maintenance work begins is a common — and avoidable — cause of fires.
Injuries Resulting from Maintenance Fires
Fires that erupt during maintenance can cause serious and often life-altering injuries, including:
- Severe burns
- Smoke inhalation and respiratory damage
- Blast injuries from explosions triggered by fire
- Eye and facial trauma from flash fires
- Secondary injuries from falling, collapsing structures, or debris
These injuries frequently require hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Who May Be Legally Liable?
Refinery maintenance work is frequently outsourced to specialized contractors and vendors. If a fire occurs due to the actions — or inaction — of one of these third parties, they may be held financially responsible.
Parties who may be liable include:
- A welding contractor that failed to follow hot work permit procedures
- A cleaning service that left behind flammable residue
- A safety consultant who failed to identify a hazardous condition
- A supplier that provided defective tools or safety equipment
Establishing third-party liability allows injured workers to seek damages beyond what workers’ compensation covers.
Compensation Available After a Maintenance Fire Injury
A successful third-party personal injury claim may include compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Ongoing medical care and therapy
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Psychological trauma
These claims often provide broader financial recovery than workers’ comp alone.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
If you were injured in a fire that occurred during refinery maintenance, the incident may have been preventable. When third-party companies contribute to unsafe conditions, they can be held legally accountable.
Spagnoletti Law Firm can assist in determining who was responsible and whether you may be entitled to compensation. For a free consultation, call 713-804-9306. No legal fees are owed unless we recover compensation on your behalf.