OSHA Inspection: FARMERS SUPPLY CO-OP INC.

Issued

Aug 18, 1998

Abate by

Sep 11, 1998

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $150 Reduced

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:
(a)Farmers Supply Co-op, Conrad East Loading Site:  Anhydrous ammonia was
leaking
from a union in the main line on 8/11/98.  The concentrations of anhydrous
ammonia leaking
at its source were measured at 60 parts per million of air.
Among other methods, one feasible and useful means of abatement would be:
To institute a
regular program of preventive maintenance designed to prevent leaks of
anhydrous ammonia
before they occur.  Such a preventive maintenance program should be
proactive rather than
reactive and consistent with good industry practice.  Information
detailing a preventive
maintenance program for ammonia refrigerating systems can be obtained by
consulting
material published by the following organizations; the American National
Standards Institute
or the Fertilizer Institute Standards for the Storage and Handling of
Agricultural Anhydrous
Ammonia.

Issued

Aug 18, 1998

Abate by

Sep 11, 1998