Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Most influential books
Timeline
Generic

Billy Abston

Dayton,Texas

Summary

I've worked in the chemical industry for 18 years. I enjoy being challenged, solving problems and I have a desire for continual growth in all aspects of my life. My experience includes Operations Supervisor, Unit supervisor, DCS board operator, process field operator, loader and lab technician. I've spent the last 10 years of my operations career as an ERT member and continued my education in this field in the areas of Incident commander. safety officer, firefighting and rescue operations. During my time as an operations supervisor I became proficient in regulatory standards and requirements that include OSHA, PSM, DHS, EPA, TCEQ, RCRA and DOT. I was also responsible for the implementation and sustainability of Responsible Care, 5S and Lean management programs. I have strong leadership qualities and prefer working in a team atmosphere. I enjoy learning and teaching for the purpose of building up those around me to ensure the overall success and long-term viability within an organization.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

DCS Board Operator

Air Liquide
01.2023 - Current
  • Monitor and adjust Distributive Control System for Steam Methane Reformer (Yokogawa)
  • Responsible for plant utilities and all aspects of waste-water management and disposal
  • Monitor and adjust Steam Turbine Generator output and parameters
  • Issue Confined space, Safe work, hot work, JSA and open flame permits
  • Safety Champion on site, active in various safety programs to promote improvements in plant safety culture and hazardous awareness
  • Attend daily tier meetings and communicate with the operations and maintenance department in the scheduling of TAR activities and routine scheduled/preventative maintenance necessary to ensure reliable plant operations
  • Responsible for safely locking out (IDL) and purging equipment for maintenance work
  • Monitor/inspect contractor work performance and safety compliance.
  • Generated turnover reports for other shifts and colleagues.
  • Monitored performance of operations environment and managed expert responses to first-level events and serious incidents.
  • Supported operations with weekly on-call rotation to maintain and provide critical system support.
  • Offered incoming call support for operational-related incidents and escalations.
  • Handled preventive maintenance on assigned technologies following established procedures.
  • Took samples of products for further analysis and standardized testing.
  • Completed basic maintenance and repairs on pumping equipment and lines.
  • Conducted general housekeeping functions such as removing spills and organizing supplies.
  • Observed production operations, identified safety hazards and addressed problems to maintain safety for all personnel.
  • Maintained well-calibrated systems to keep inspections accurate.
  • Observed and tracked information from gauges, instruments and meters to proactively identify and address issues.
  • Tracked inspection results and submitted reports outlining data and highlighting deviations.
  • Circulated chemicals and solvents inside processing units to clean interiors.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.

Process Operator/Ops Supervisor

Afton Chemical
04.2013 - 09.2022
  • Monitor and adjust Distributive Control System (D/3 NovaTech) Poly Alkylphenol continuous process unit
  • Coordinate all aspects of railcar and tank truck loading/unloading
  • Responsible for the daily distribution of detailed status reports on all plant activity
  • Managed all plant activity which included a blending unit, terminal unit (with dock), a laboratory and three chemical process units (continuous and batch)
  • Experienced in the safe handling of high hazardous chemicals
  • Responsible for plant utilities and all aspects of waste-water management and disposal
  • Sample, gauge, and monitor tank farm resources
  • Attended daily tier meetings and communicated with the maintenance department in the scheduling of TAR activities and routine scheduled/preventative maintenance necessary to ensure reliable plant operations
  • Responsible for safely locking out (LOTO) and purging equipment for maintenance work
  • Issued Confined space, Safe work, hot work, JSA and open flame permits
  • Monitor/inspect contractor work performance and safety compliance
  • Site Safety Leader
  • Emergency Response Team (ERT) member
  • Hazmat Certified in the roles of Rescue, Firefighting, Incident Command and Site Safety Officer
  • Proficient in Process Safety Management (PSM) and Process Hazardous Awareness (PHA)
  • Worked alongside team members on Pre-Start-up Safety Review (PSSR)
  • Review and issue Management of Change (MOC) and Temporary DCS requests/overrides
  • Maintain and monitor hazardous waste sites under Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) guidelines
  • Conducted daily safety meetings
  • Motivated and trained employees to maximize team productivity.
  • Evaluated team member performance and productivity, provided feedback and implemented corrective actions.
  • Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
  • Enforced regulatory and company policy compliance to improve workplace and employee safety and readiness.
  • Analyzed department metrics and performance and reported findings to management.
  • Encouraged and promoted ideas aligned to business needs and benefits.
  • Compiled training materials for new employees and tracked skill development.
  • Conducted root cause analysis in deficient areas to identify and resolve issues.
  • Enhanced operational performance and reduced labor expenses by developing and optimizing standard practices.
  • Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
  • Coordinated individual duties after careful evaluation of each employee's skill level and knowledge.

DCS Board Operator

D. B. Western, Inc.
04.2004 - 04.2013
  • Monitor and adjust Distributive Control System (Honeywell) continuous process Formaldehyde unit
  • Coordinate all aspects of railcar and tank truck loading/unloading
  • Responsible for the daily distribution of detailed status reports on all plant activity
  • Managed all plant activity which included a blending unit, laboratory and 4 continuous process formaldehyde and Resin units
  • Experienced in the safe handling of high hazardous chemicals
  • Responsible for plant utilities and all aspects of waste-water management and disposal
  • Sample, gauge, and monitor tank farm resources
  • Perform routine scheduled/preventative maintenance necessary to ensure reliable plant operations
  • Monitor/inspect contractor work performance and safety compliance.
  • Generated turnover reports for other shifts and colleagues.
  • Monitored performance of operations environment and managed expert responses to first-level events and serious incidents.

Education

High School Diploma -

C.E. King High
Houston
06.1999

Skills

  • Problem-Solving
  • Continuous process
  • Planning and Coordination
  • Written Communication
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Organization and Time Management
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking
  • Batch process
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Training and Development
  • Dependable and Responsible

Most influential books

Extreme Ownership-Jacko Willink

A book about taking absolute responsibility for everything that impacts your or your team's objective. This includes challenges, successes, failures, and everything in between. Taking this approach in a team setting, helps to set aside ego, which allows you to effectively solve problems without the destructive nature of being overly critical of other team members.


Creating a Lean culture (3rd Edition)-David Mann

An excellent book that lays out how to make an organization more efficient and effective ways to sustain it.


The 5 love languages-Gary Chapman

The 5 languages of appreciation in the workplace-Gary Chapman

Although used in daily life and in relationships, these books have played a pivotal role in understanding my co-workers and their emotional needs which ultimately factors into any team oriented setting.





Timeline

DCS Board Operator

Air Liquide
01.2023 - Current

Process Operator/Ops Supervisor

Afton Chemical
04.2013 - 09.2022

DCS Board Operator

D. B. Western, Inc.
04.2004 - 04.2013

High School Diploma -

C.E. King High

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