Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003 Hazard:

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees are exposed severe burns, tissue damage, or pulmonary edema from gas and/or liquid anhydrous ammonia from the potential failure of the ammonia piping system and its components. Midwest Farmers Cooperative, 600 South 10th St., Tecumseh, NE - The ammonia piping system, components, and appurtenances had extensive peeled paint and external corrosion. Internal seals for the ammonia pump for filling nurse tank leaked during the inspection. AMONG OTHER METHODS, FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHODS TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD ARE: 1) Properly maintain equipment including ammonia piping systems and system pumps/compressors in an operable condition per NFPA 400 (2013) Hazardous Materials Code - 6.1.16.1 as adopted by Nebraska State Fire Marshal per NAC 477.281. 2) Remove external corrosion and properly paint/coat ammonia piping and system components. 3) Develop inspection protocols to examine for corrosion and paint failure of the ammonia piping system to decrease the likelihood of accidental release. 4) Inspect and maintain ammonia system pump(s)/compressor(s) as required by the manufacturer. 5) Train employees to properly inspect and document external ammonia piping system and paint failure. 5) Develop and implement regular maintenance schedules for ammonia piping systems, components, appurtenances, and storage vessels.