Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003 Hazard: UNAPEQUIP

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: (a) On or about 12/27/96, the engine room was not equipped with a continuously operating independent mechanical ventilation system as required by ANSI/ASHRAE 15-1978, exposing employees to harmful vapors of ammonia in the event of a valve rupture. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard would be the installation of an independent mechanical ventilation system actuated automatically by vapor detectors. (b) On or about 12/27/96, pressure relief devices were not provided for all compressors and associated equipment in the engine room, exposing employees to the possible hazard of a sudden release of uncontrolled energy and ammonia. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard would be to install pressure relief devices as referenced in ANSI/ASHRAE 15-1978 and paragraphs UG-125 to UG-134 inclusive, of Section viii, Division 1,of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. (c) On or about 12/27/96, masks or other respiratory devices were not provided at a location convenient to the engine room, exposing employees to the possible hazard of the inhalation of ammonia. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard is to have approved respirators suitable for the refrigerant in a suitable cabinet immediately outside the engine room or other approved accessible location.