BP Asks for More Time in Safety Requirements

HOUSTON (AP) _ British oil giant BP wants more time to implement new safety requirements at its Texas City refinery.

That’s where a 2005 explosion left 15 people dead.

BP’s request comes after the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration told it last month that it was failing to make the improvements part of a deal BP made with the agency after the deadly blast. That blast also injured more than 170 people.

The agency found BP committed more than 300 willful violations. BP agreed to review process safety management systems and equipment throughout the refinery and pay a $21.3 million fine.

BP had until Wednesday to comply with the agreement. OSHA spokeswoman Diana Petterson said the agency had received a request from the company for more time. Petterson declined to say how much additional time BP wants.

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