Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to thermal and asphyxiation hazards created by the use of liquid nitrogen and nitrogen vapor in freezer systems. On or about January 23 and 27, 2021, at the worksite Foundation Food Group, Inc., located at 2076 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA, employees were exposed to potential thermal and asphyxiation injuries or death associated with the release of liquid nitrogen and nitrogen vapor from the liquid nitrogen systems, which was not operated in a manner that would protect employees from the risk of serious injuries and death. Feasible and acceptable means of abatement are to: a. Provide to Foundation Food Group the Operation & Maintenance manuals, electrical schematics and worker training documentation for the Immersion/Spiral freezer. b. As an enhanced abatement, Messer will implement a customer outreach program to existing customers with LIN equipment installed by Messer to reemphasize the importance and safety purposes of Messer's recommendation that the customer install appropriate oxygen monitoring and adequate ventilation in connection with any Messer-installed application equipment using LIN.