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

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):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 contact with anhydrous ammonia from potentially catastrophic releases from the refrigeration system of a facility used for the packaging, storage, and distribution of apples that is not effectively inspected, tested, and maintained to ensure its continued serviceability, the piping of which is not properly supported, and the emergency ventilation system of which is not properly designed: (a) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, Road: On or about 09/08/2020, observations of the operating condition of the facility's ammonia refrigeration system are not made and recorded frequently enough to detect and/or prevent departures from normal operating conditions in a timely fashion. (b) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, Road: On or about 09/08/2020, the ammonia sensors of the facility's refrigeration system have not been calibrated at an interval as specified in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and/or good engineering practice. (c) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, Road: On or about 09/08/2020, oil return lines on the reciprocating compressors were supported with zip ties and tape. (d) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, Road: On or about 09/08/2020, the discharge of the emergency ventilation system for the facility's ammonia refrigeration mechanical room was not directed so as not to create a danger and to provide good dispersion based on prevailing conditions and existing structures.