Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard: CHEMICAL

Labor and Employment Article, Section 5-104(a): 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: (a)Date of Violation:03/04/08 Location:Pemberton Drive Facility Condition:Employees were exposed to the unwanted release of chlorine gas used to treat irrigation water- a process which involved the use and storage of 4,600 pounds of chlorine gas at the facility. The employer had not evaluated the treatment process to prevent an unwanted release of chlorine gas, a hazardous chemical having the potential to cause a catastrophic incident, that could have occurred as a result of failures in the process, procedures, or equipment involved in the chlorination process. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to develop and implement process safety management of the chlorine gas by complying with 29 CFR 1910.119, process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals. (b)Date of Violation:03/04/08 Location:Pemberton Drive Facility Condition:Employees were exposed to the unwanted release of chlorine gas used to treat irrigation water; a process which involved the use and storage of 4,600 pounds of chlorine gas at the facility. The employer had not established and implemented an emergency action plan for the facility in the event of an unwanted release of chlorine gas. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to establish and implement an emergency action plan in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.38 and to include in the plan procedures for handling small releases of chlorine gas. Abatement documentation (photographs, receipts, copies of programs, training certification, etc.) is required for this item.