Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 007 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 832 E 3rd Street, Milan, MO 64556: 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 March 18, 2023, 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, isolation valves, instrumentation) to ensure that they were maintaining the ongoing integrity of process equipment. a) A pressure relief valve"HTR1-16" marked on P&ID 09 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 July 2023, 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 High Temperature Recirculator (Model # H5604). b) A pressure relief valve"HTR1-55" marked on P&ID 09 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 July 2023, 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 High Temperature Recirculator Oil Pot (Model # H5601). c) The low temperature recirulator "LTR1" marked on P&ID 10 for the refrigeration system was not adequately maintain in those portions of system equipment, piping and its interconnected components were not kept free from excessive ice buildup. Ice was permitted to accumulate in quantities that could deflect or bend pipes, displace components, or negatively impact the system's structural integrity. 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.