OSHA Inspection: RDM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Issued

Dec 8, 2003

Abate by

Dec 16, 2003

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not furnish
to each of his employees 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 their employees were exposed to the potential hazard of
inhaling anhydrous
ammonia gas:
(a) RDM Technology, Inc.: Employees were exposed to Ammonia gas when it was
released from the Bottling Group, Inc. facility at 3801 Brighton Blvd.,
Denver, CO, on
or about August 10, 2003.  A portion of the "new" and "old" Ammonia
refrigeration
system was pressurized to approximately 295 psi, and then was left
unattended prior to
the release of anhydrous ammonia gas to the outside atmosphere through an
"old" system
safety relief valve that was set to release at 150 psi.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to follow the
operating procedures set forth in ANSI/IIAR 2-1999, "Equipment, Design,
and Installation of
Ammonia Mechanical Refrigerating Systems", when this type of installation
arises in the future.
This situation would be contrary to the requirement listed under section
7.5.2 (Preparation),
which states "b. Remove all safety pressure-relief devices and cap or plug
the openings."  This
section also states "e. Cap, plug, or lock shut all valves and devices
leading to the atmosphere."
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (See
enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").