OSHA Inspection: PINEY POINT PHOSPHATES, INC.

Issued

Jul 21, 1992

Abate by

Aug 23, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:
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
were exposed to the hazard of inhalation of anhydrous ammonia:
(a) Employees were exposed to the hazard of inhalation of anhydrous
ammonia and possible asphyxiation;  to irritation to eyes, nose,
throat and lungs;  to chemicals burns to the skin and lungs;  and to
possible permanent other injuries including possible fatal injuries.
Injuries would result from uncontrolled releases of anhydrous ammonia
in liquid or gaseous form in the event of failure of the bulk storage
tank(s) and/or the equipment system(s) attached to the tank(s).
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement a program for maintenance in-
spection, rating repair, and alteration as outlined in publication
API-510, American Petroleum Institute, Pressure Vessel Inspection
Code.

Issued

Jul 21, 1992

Abate by

Aug 23, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:
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
were exposed to the hazard of inhalation of toxic substances, to
asphyxiation, and/or to burns from chemicals.
(a) Employees were exposed to the hazard of inhalation of toxic
substances, to asphyxiation, and/or to burns from chemicals during
entry into and working in confined space situations.  Vessels involved
in confined space entries would include but not limited to sulfuric
acid pump tanks, sulfuric acid absorption towers, and process equip-
ment in the Diammonium Phosphate manufacturing area, such as dryers or
granulators.  Employees could suffer eye irritation, skin irritation
or skin burns, lung damage and/or death from confined space exposures
to ammonia gas and/or sulfuric acid mist, and/or sulfur dioxide or
sulfur trioxide.  employees could also be injured during improper
rescue procedures.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry procedure
which includes, but not limited to the following items:
(1) Instruction and training as to the nature of the hazards involved
and necessary precautions to be taken relative to confined space
entry.
(2) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to
tanks or other confined space areas which may be entered.
(3) Implementation of established lockout/tagout and isolation pro-
cedures, where applicable, and issuance of a proper entry permit prior
to tank/confined space entry.
(4) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence
of hazardous air contaminants, potential oxygen deficiency and
flammable/explosive atmosphere prior to entry to tank/confined space
and as needed prior to re-entry.
(5) Where it has been determined that confined space contains a
hazardous concentration of an air contaminant and/or an oxygen de-
ficiency, use of mechanically induced ventilation in the confined
space/tank before entry and during occupancy and/or use of respiratory
protective equipment which provides adequate protection against the
hazards encountered.
(6) Provisions and procedures for standby observer located outside
the confined space and readily available emergency standby equipment
consisting of a safety line and harness arrangement and a self-
contained breathing apparatus certified by NIOSH.
(7) Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined
space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures.

Issued

Jul 21, 1992

Abate by

Aug 23, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

Issued

Jul 21, 1992

Abate by

Jul 29, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

Issued

Jul 21, 1992

Abate by

Jul 24, 1992