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

29 CFR 1910.119(j)(4)(i): The employer did not perform inspection and tests on process equipment. a. Old System - On or about October 11, 2023, the employer failed to perform annual testing and inspections on the ammonia compressors FES 140, FES 270a, FES 270 b, FES 480, FES 675GL, FES 775B, FES 575B, FES 1435B, Screw Compressors RC 1 Viper and RC 2 in accordance with the employers MI program testing and inspection frequency and in accordance with RAGAGEP such as IIAR 6 or IIAR Bulletin 110. Failure to perform annual inspections and testing of equipment can prevent early detection of liner degradation, seal failures, pitting, and other deterioration which can lead to a loss of containment of ammonia exposing personnel to a toxic liquid and gas. b. Engine Room C - On or about October 11, 2023, the employer failed to perform inspections and maintenance to de-ice the ammonia pump pack D's isolation and shutoff valves that had been encased in more than a half inch of ice rendering them inoperable without de-icing. Failure to keep shutoff and isolation valves free moving and readily accessible in the event of an emergency which could result in an extended release or delayed response further exposing employees to toxic liquid and vapor. c. Old System - On or about October 11, 2023, the employer failed to perform the 5-year independent full inspection of the process equipment within the 5-year cycle in accordance with the employers MI program testing and inspection frequency and in accordance with RAGAGEP such as IIAR 6 or IIAR Bulletin 110. The employer conducted the most recent 5-year independent full inspection in June 2018 and was due to have the audit performed in prior to June 2023, the audit was not conducted at any point prior to the end of 2023. Failure to perform required testing and inspections can result in failure of equipment and the release of anhydrous ammonia. d. Old System - On or about October 11, 2023, the employer failed to perform the biannual ammonia purity test, the most recent test on March 11, 2021, and was due to be repeated in March 2023. Failure to perform ammonia analysis could result in failure to identify buildup of excess water inside the ammonia system which can result in the formation of aqueous ammonia which can interfere with the system set points and chemical reactions with oils and other system contents. e. Cold Storage - On or about October 11, 2023, the employer failed to perform piping inspection and testing annually in accordance with the employers MI program testing and inspection frequency and in accordance with RAGAGEP such as IIAR 6 or IIAR Bulletin 110. The employer's most recent piping inspection was conducted in August 2022 and the employer had not documented resolution of the findings or scheduled an inspection in 2023. Failure to perform piping inspections and testing on annual frequency can lead to excessive corrosion, pitting and deterioration that can result in the release of anhydrous ammonia. Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement. Abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement or other written records.