OSHA charged the company with six violations, including exposing employees to danger and failing to take proper steps after earlier problems with the tank. The charges could mean $141,000 in fines.

Company officials met with OSHA in Tucker, Ga., on Friday, but returned to Augusta without settling. Plant spokeswoman Pam Barbara said the company wants to comply with federal regulations, but they haven't reached an agreement on how.

George Sanders, 42; John Rowland, 35; and Heinrich Kohl, 25, were killed in the Amodel unit March 13 when the cover plate on a pressurized tank blew off as workers removed the bolts.

OSHA said the deaths could have been avoided had BP Amoco followed its own recommendations after two workers were seriously burned in August 2000. A checklist ensuring vessels are drained, depressurized and disconnected before being cleaned had been proposed but never implemented, the agency alleged.

OSHA's Atlanta-East area Director William Grimes said settlements usually come after companies agree to stipulations, fines are reduced or citations are thrown out. If an agreement cannot be reached, the matter could go before a federal judge.

Reach Johnny Edwards at (706) 823-3225 or johnny.edwards@augustachronicle.com