Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 19100119 N Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals.
Inspection Nr: 1358712.015
Citation: 01005
Citation Type: Serious
Abatement Status: Abatement Completed
Initial Penalty: $9,472.00
Current Penalty: $5,000.00
Issuance Date: 05/01/2019
Nr Instances: 1
Nr Exposed: 251
Abatement Date: 05/21/2019
Gravity: 5
Report ID: 0625400
Contest Date: 05/24/2019
Final Order: 01/02/2020
Related Event Code (REC): C
Emphasis:
Type | Latest Event | Event Date | Penalty | Abatement Due Date | Citation Type | Failure to Abate Inspection |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Penalty | F: Formal Settlement | 01/02/2020 | $5,000.00 | 05/21/2019 | Serious | |
Penalty | C: Contested | 06/03/2019 | $9,472.00 | 05/21/2019 | Serious | |
Penalty | Z: Issued | 05/01/2019 | $9,472.00 | 05/21/2019 | Serious |
Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 005 Hazard:
29 CFR 1910.119(n): Emergency planning and response. The employer did not establish and implement an emergency action plan for the entire plant in accordance with the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.38. In addition, the emergency action plan did not include procedures for handling small releases. On or about November 8, 2018, and at times prior thereto, the employer did not ensure the emergency action plan addressed procedures for an anhydrous ammonia release. The employer uses over 10,000lbs of anhydrous ammonia for refrigerant for the freezers and cooling the processing floor. Employee(s) are exposed to the hazards associated with anhydrous ammonia such as asphyxiation, chemical burns, and fire. The plan did not address elements such as, but not limited to: 1. Definition of a small release and protocols for responding to a small releases. 2. Evacuation procedures and mustering/gathering points in the event of an anhydrous ammonia release. 3. Wind sock references to assist in assessing wind flow directions for evacuation routes if necessary. 4. Functional and visible wind socks to indicated wind direction in the event of an anhydrous ammonia release. *February 16, 2019, on the roof, a valve gasket failed on the evaporator (EV-12) and approximately 50 lbs of anhydrous ammonia was released. *January 28, 2019, in engine/machinery room, a seal on the purger went bad releasing trace amounts of ammonia.