Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 025 Hazard: CHEMNEP

29 CFR 1910.119(m)(1): The employer did not investigate each incident which resulted in, or could reasonably have resulted in, a catastrophic release of a highly hazardous chemical in the workplace: The conditions were observed on or about October 20, 2010. The employer does not comply with the provisions of this section and did not initiate an incident investigation of each incident which resulted in or could reasonably have resulted in a catastrophic event of highly hazardous chemical in the work place; within 48 hours of the incident; there is no incident investigation team established; there were no reports prepared that included: date, time, description, contributing factors, and recommendations; there was no system in place to address and resolve findings; reports were not reviewed with affected personnel; and reports were not retained for 5 years. On April 6, 2009, there was an over-pressurization of the 72, 000 pound anhydrous ammonia tank. The contract worker was unloading ammonia when the truck driver over pressured the tank pop off valve. On December 22, 2009 there was a repair of an SO2 leak on the second floor of the 200 area and on March 30, 2010 a chlorine leak was repaired in the 700 area. None of the information received contained the required elements specified in 29 CFR 1910.119(m)(1)(7). Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation describing the steps it is taking to ensure that the incident investigations are completed on each incident which resulted in or could reasonably have resulted in a catastrophic event of highly hazardous chemical in the covered process. The method of abatement is to ensure that incident investigations be investigated and documented in accordance with the required information as described in 29 CFR 1910.119(m)(1)-(7).