May 27, 2016
By:
Walter G. Wright
Category:
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
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The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a May 12th news release stating it had issued nine serious and two other-than-serious violations to Ozburn-Hessey Logistics LLC (“OHL”).
OHL is stated to operate a manufacturing facility in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, which includes a refrigeration warehouse facility.
OSHA states that a 2016 Complaint investigation found that OHL was violating process safety management procedures for ammonia used in the company’s refrigeration warehouse facility. Ten thousand pounds of ammonia are stated to be in use at the facility.
OHL is alleged to have failed to:
- Correct ice buildup, blistered and rusted piping on ammonia lines.
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Develop operational procedures to maintain the ongoing integrity of refrigeration equipment.
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Develop procedures for the safe completion of refrigeration related tasks while working on elevations.
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Document inspections and maintenance for the ammonia refrigeration evaporator condenser.
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Ensure piping and instrumentation diagrams are accurate.
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Provide clear instructions to employees to mitigate ammonia releases during service and maintenance.
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Provide personal protective and detection equipment necessary in the event of ammonia release.
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Keep catwalks and passageways in good repair.
OSHA has proposed civil penalties of $42,000.
Click here to download a copy of the news release.
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