OSHA Inspection: LUDWIG DAIRY PRODUCTS, INC.

Issued

Jul 5, 2011

Abate by

Aug 6, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,500 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 was free from
recognized hazards that
were likely to cause death or serious physical harm.  Employees were
exposed to the hazard of
explosion of pressure vessels and severe chemical burns from ammonia
released from the
refrigeration system.
On or about January 20, 2011, Ludwig Dairy Products, Inc., in Dixon,
Illinois did not
ensure that the set pressure on the pressure relief valves, on its ammonia
refrigeration
system, did not deviate more than 5% in a span of five years.  These
valves have not
been inspected, repaired or replaced within the past five years.
Among other methods, a feasible abatement method to correct this hazard is
to comply
with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2010, Safety Standard for Refrigeration
Systems, and
to inspect, repair or replace the safety relief valves on the
refrigeration system to ensure
that the set pressure on the safety relief valves does not deviate in
excess of 5%.
(Section 9.4.9).
DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED OF THIS ITEM.