Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 004 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.119(j)(5): The employer did not correct deficiencies in equipment that were outside acceptable limits (defined by the process safety information on paragraph (d) of this section) before use. At a worksite located at 4600 Waco Rd, Columbia, MO 65202 (Ammonia Yard): The employer failed to protect employees because the employer did not correct deficiencies in equipment that were outside of acceptable limits. This was last demonstrated on or about September 28, 2022, and at times prior to that. a) The gate valve "HTRL DHR HV1" marked on P&ID R703 was not in good working order as the valve handle was experiencing excessive corrosion and pitting, and had not been replaced, or taken out of service, nor had the employer taken any further steps to ensure safe operations. The valve is a critical valve that is connected to the high-temperature return line that pumps liquid in the plant. b) The angle valve "NW COND HV4" marked on P&ID R703 was not in good working order as the valve handle was experiencing excessive corrosion and pitting, and had not been replaced, or taken out of service, nor had the employer taken any further steps to ensure safe operations. The valve is connected to the NW Condensor. c) The angle gate valve "NW COND HV1" marked on P&ID R703 was not in good working order as the valve handle was experiencing excessive corrosion and pitting, and had not been replaced, or taken out of service, nor had the employer taken any further steps to ensure safe operations. The valve is connected to the NW Consendor. d) The pipping support for the "6" CD" marked on P&ID R706 was not in good working order as it was experiencing excessive corrosion and pitting, and had not been replaced, or taken out of service, nor had the employer taken any further steps to ensure safe operations. The piping support is connected to the NE and NW Condensors. e) The ice management procedures were not sufficient to correct the hazardous build-up of ice for the "LTU1" marked on P&ID R705. The ice accumulation was excessive and not in good working order as it prevented the proper identification, examination, or exercise of valves, a sight glass, or piping. In addition, it also impacted the structural integrity of equipment and related components, and had not been replaced, or taken out of service, nor had the employer taken any further steps to ensure safe operations. The valves are connected to the Liquid Transfer Unit and the Low-Temperature Accumulator. This hazardous condition exposed employees engaged in repairing, replacing, operating, inspecting, testing, and maintenance activities of covered process equipment to toxic, cryogenic, and fire hazards in the event of an anhydrous ammonia release.