OSHA Inspection: SUNNYLAND REFINING COMPANY

Issued

Mar 15, 1995

Abate by

Jun 13, 1995

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish employmnent 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:
a.  The hazard of toxic chemicals due to the release of the refrigerant,
anhydrous ammonia,
from the heat exchanger.  On or about 12/3/94 a weld failed at the #2
votator in Plant #1 down.
This release exposed employees to the hazards of skin contact and
inhalation of ammonia which
can cause severe skin burns and lung damage.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to :
1.  Develop an inspection and testing schedule of inservice heat exhangers
in accordance with
industry recognized safety standards as specified in IIAR  Bulletin No.
109
and  IIAR 6Bulletin
No. 110;
2.  Employ the use of nondestructive examination (NDE) methods to detect
surface and internal
dicontinuities in materials, welds and fabricated parts and components.
NDE includes such
methods as Radiographic Examination, Ultrasonic Examination, Liquid
Penetrant Examination,
etc.;
3.  Document all repairs or alterations to heat exchanger.  Discuss and
report all alterations to
the orginal manufacturer.  Follow the ASME Code and other industry
standards that may address
the alteration of a pressure vessel.  Determination of safe operating
parameters or possible
rerating of the vessel shall be addressed.