Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 005 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.119(j)(4)(iii): The frequency of inspections and tests of process equipment to maintain its mechanical integrity, was not consistent with applicable manufacturer's recommendations and good engineering practices, or more frequently determined to be necessary by prior operating experience. At a worksite at 3800 E 32nd Street, Joplin, MO 64804: The employer failed to protect employees from the hazards of highly hazardous chemicals associated with ammonia refrigeration that are used daily. This was last demonstrated on or about October 21, 2022, and at times prior to that. The employer did not follow the recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices (RAGAGEP). The employer failed to protect employees because the employer did not inspect and test piping systems (piping components such as pressure relief valves) to ensure that they were maintaining the ongoing integrity of process equipment. a) A pressure relief valve"C5 PSV04" marked on P&ID R702 for the refrigeration system was not adequately maintained in that pressure relief valves (PRVs) were not being inspected or replaced every five years. There was a Hansen PRV that was scheduled to be replaced in August 2021, 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 Mycom Screw Compressor (Model # N280JM-U/Serial # 2830093). b) A pressure relief valve"C5 PSV05" marked on P&ID R702 for the refrigeration system was not adequately maintained in that pressure relief valves (PRVs) were not being inspected or replaced every five years. There was a Hansen PRV that was scheduled to be replaced in August 2021, 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 Mycom Screw Compressor (Model # N280JM-U/Serial # 2830093). c) A pressure relief valve"C5 PSV07" marked on P&ID R702 for the refrigeration system was not adequately maintained in that pressure relief valves (PRVs) were not being inspected or replaced every five years. There was a Hansen PRV that was scheduled to be replaced in August 2021, 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 Mycom Screw Compressor (Model # N280JM-U/Serial # 2830093). d) A pressure relief valve"C5 PSV08" marked on P&ID R702 for the refrigeration system was not adequately maintained in that pressure relief valves (PRVs) were not being inspected or replaced every five years. There was a Hansen PRV that was scheduled to be replaced in August 2021, 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 Mycom Screw Compressor (Model # N280JM-U/Serial # 2830093). This hazardous condition exposed employees engaged in repairing, replacing, operating, inspecting, testing, and maintaining covered process equipment to toxic, cryogenic, and fire hazards in the event of an anhydrous ammonia release.