OSHA Inspection: FRESHWAY FOODS

Issued

May 26, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0170

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 inhalation and chemical burn hazards resulting
from the
uncontrolled release of anhydrous ammonia.
(a)Freshway Foods, 601 Stolle Ave., Sidney, Ohio:  On or about February 14,
2011,  the employer did not ensure that the anhydrous ammonia
refrigeration system
was adequately designed, installed, and maintained to protect employees
from an
uncontrolled release of anhydrous ammonia.  The unprotected pipes conveying
anhydrous ammonia to the heat exchange units in the receiving area were
installed
immediately adjacent to the aisle used by powered industrial vehicles and
other
material handling equipment.  Anhydrous ammonia was released from the
pipes when
a powered, walk-behind fork truck conveying material to the production
area struck
the exposed pipes.
Among other methods, a feasible abatement method to correct this hazard is
to ensure that
the ammonia refrigeration system complies with the requirements of
ANSI/ASHRAE-15
2010, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, Section 11.1 General
Restrictions -
Safeguards:  "Means shall be taken to adequately safeguard piping,
controls, and other
refrigerating equipment to minimize possible accidental damage or rupture
by external
sources."
In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required
for
this violation (
using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition,
documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included
with your
certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to,
evidence of the
purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or
written records.