OSHA Inspection: ROCKY MOUNTAIN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

Issued

Dec 4, 2009

Abate by

Dec 23, 2009

Penalty

Initial $2,500

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 which was free from recognized hazards that
were causing or
likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that
employees were exposed to
ammonia inhalation and burn hazards:
(a)Rocky Mountain Mechanical Systems, Inc., at 5199 Ivy Street, Commerce
City, CO
80022-4404:  On or before 6/19/09, the employer exposed its refrigeration
technicians
to ammonia inhalation and burn hazards caused by:
1)The failure to calibrate and test the Manning ammonia gas monitoring
alarm
system, model GM-JR EC-F9-NH3-0/250-N1, sn F9290901086, in accordance
with the manufacturer's specifications.  Neither the employer, nor United
Food
Services Inc. dba Shamrock Foods CO., had tested or calibrated the Manning
ammonia gas monitoring system from 1/1/08 through 6/19/09;
One feasible means of abatement includes following the calibration and
maintenance procedures stated in the Manning GM-JR EC-F9-NH3 Calibration
Procedure Brochure, and by following the maintenance procedures stated in
the
Instruction and Installation Manual.  These directions provide that the
sensor shall
be calibrated a minimum of once every six months, or after exposure to a
large
concentration of gas.  The maintenance procedures provide that the sensor
being
monitored should be exposed to the target gas on a monthly basis while all
alarm
functions are verified at the Manning GM-JR.  This will test the sensor
and any
equipment connected to the relays in addition to the Manning GM-JR.
2)The lack of ammonia gas detectors in the warehouse refrigeration areas
served
by the ammonia system.
Conditions exposed employees to inhalation and burn hazards.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (See
enclosed "Sample
Abatement-Certification Letter").