OSHA Inspection: MOUNTAIN PRAIRIE L.L.C.

Issued

Oct 21, 2004

Abate by

Nov 30, 2005

Penalty

Current $3,000

Issued

Oct 21, 2004

Abate by

Nov 30, 2005

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $50,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish a place of employment that was free from recognized hazards that
were causing or were
likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that
employees were exposed to
hydrogen sulfide, which was causing or was likely to cause acute systemic
toxicity, CNS effects
(nervous system disturbances--nervous system effects other than narcosis),
irritation of the eye-
nose-throat-skin, and moderate irritation of the lungs:
a) On or about April 22, 2004 and times prior, farrowing and gestation
employees
working in the Eastern Plains Farm, Ark River Farm, Buffalo Ridge Farm,
Cedar
Point Farm, and Deer Trail Farm were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas and
experienced adverse physical symptoms such as burning eyes, difficulty
breathing,
and respiratory track irritation.  Exposures occurred via inhalation at
concentrations of 25 ppm to greater than 200 ppm.
The employer may adopt any measures that are effective in reducing or
eliminating
employee
risk of developing acute systemic toxicity, CNS effects (nervous system
disturbances--nervous
system effects other than narcosis), irritation of the
eye-nose-throat-skin, and moderate irritation
of the lungs. Examples of such measures may include:
a) Where feasible, occupational exposures should be limited through the
use of
engineering controls to ensure employees are not exposed to harmful levels
of hydrogen
sulfide. Some feasible control methods include, but are not limited to:
1) Limiting flushes in the farrowing and gestation barns when employees are
present.
2) Utilize increased ventilation.
3) Use water from the evaporation ponds for the flushes.
4) Repair the flush systems so they do not continually flush.
5) Examples of Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) based on health effects
include: NIOSH recommended exposure limits (10 ppm ceiling) and/or the
American Conference of Governing Industrial Hygienist TWA (10 ppm) and
STEL (15 ppm).
b) While implementing engineering, administrative and work practice
controls, or where
such controls are insufficient to adequately reduce employee exposures,
the use of
personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.  Required PPE may
include
appropriate respiratory protection.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for
this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification

Issued

Oct 21, 2004

Abate by

Nov 30, 2005

Penalty

Initial $1,000

Issued

Oct 21, 2004

Abate by

Nov 30, 2005

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced