OSHA Inspection: GOLD KIST BY-PRODUCTS

Issued

Sep 12, 2005

Abate by

Nov 1, 2005

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,000 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 explosion hazards from over-pressurization of a pressure
vessel:
On or about March 28, 2005 - Goldkist By-Products Plant located at 14938
East
Cherokee Drive in Ball Ground, Georgia - Offal Area/Feather Room - Batch
Cooker/Feather Hydrolizers:
a)Data plates for all eight (8) hydrolizers were missing and or not
legible.
[Reference: ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Sec. VIII, Div. 1-2004, Sec.
UG-119]
b)Pressure relief valves were not removed, inspected, cleaned, tested and
repaired
when needed by an authorized facility. [Reference: National Board
Inspection
Code (NBIC) - 2001, RB-3550 and RB-3560]
c)Pressure Relief Valves used for steam system over-pressure protection
were not
vented to a safe location. [Reference: ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code
Sec.
VIII, Div. 1-2004, Sec. UG-135(f)]
d)ASME Coded pressure vessel was repaired and/or modified did not have a
stamp
that indicated the repair or modification was done in accordance with the
requirement of NBIC.  The Dog Eared portion of the Dome Lid Assembly for
Unit #4 was modified and showed evidence of cracking and stress.
[Reference:
NBIC RA 2150 and RB-3230]
e)The ASME Coded vessels were not inspected and maintains as required.
[Reference: NBIC RB-3270(b)]
"AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE ABATEMENT
METHOD TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD IS":
1) Replace missing or worn data plates and ensure that they remain legible
at all times.
2) Implement a program following the guidelines referenced above for the
removal, inspection,
cleaning, testing, and repair of relief valves.
3) Vent relief valves used for the steam system to a safe location.
4) Ensure that all repairs or modifications are performed in accordance
with NBIC and inspected
and stamped before the unit is returned to service.
5) Implement an inspection and maintenance program for the pressure
vessels in accordance with
NBIC.