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

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 the hazards of anhydrous ammonia release from refrigeration compressors in the basement, compressor room, and production areas which could result in severe eye and respiratory irritation and/or death. Feasible and acceptable abatement methods may include the following: 1. Install monitoring/alarm devices that detect and provide audible and/or visual warning of an accidental/uncontrolled release of anhydrous ammonia. 2. Develop a preventive maintenance program for inspecting and evaluating all valves and piping for damage and replacement when necessary. 3. Install emergency remote shut-off controls outside the refrigeration machinery areas to shutdown the refrigeration compressors in the event of a leak or other emergency. 4.Develop procedures which specify the operating instructions and precautions to be observed in the event of a system breakdown or refrigerant leak and post them in the vicinity of the compressors.