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

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish to each of his employees 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 their employees were exposed to the potential hazard of inhaling anhydrous ammonia gas: (a) RDM Technology, Inc.: Employees were exposed to Ammonia gas when it was released from the Bottling Group, Inc. facility at 3801 Brighton Blvd., Denver, CO, on or about August 10, 2003. A portion of the "new" and "old" Ammonia refrigeration system was pressurized to approximately 295 psi, and then was left unattended prior to the release of anhydrous ammonia gas to the outside atmosphere through an "old" system safety relief valve that was set to release at 150 psi. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to follow the operating procedures set forth in ANSI/IIAR 2-1999, "Equipment, Design, and Installation of Ammonia Mechanical Refrigerating Systems", when this type of installation arises in the future. This situation would be contrary to the requirement listed under section 7.5.2 (Preparation), which states "b. Remove all safety pressure-relief devices and cap or plug the openings." This section also states "e. Cap, plug, or lock shut all valves and devices leading to the atmosphere." Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (See enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").