OSHA Inspection: PCS NITROGEN OHIO, L.P.

Issued

2012-01-19 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4250.00 · Current $4250.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(d)(3)(ii):  The employer did not document that equipment complies with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices:    (a)	PCS Nitrogen Ohio, LP,  1900 Fort Amanda Road, Lima, Ohio:  On or about August 9, 2011, the employer did not ensure that the anhydrous ammonia surge tank piping system conformed to the recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices, such as but not limited to API 521: Pressure-relieving and Depressuring Systems.  Three intervening block valves located on the surge tank safety relief system leading to the flare were not locked in the open position.

Issued

2012-01-19 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4250.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(f)(1):  The employer did not develop and implement operating procedures for the administrative control of hazards created by the closing of intervening valves on the upstream or downstream lines to/from relief device(s).        (a)	PCS Nitrogen Ohio, LP,  1900 Fort Amanda Road, Lima, Ohio:  On or about August 9, 2011, the employer did not implement operating procedures to ensure that three block valves upstream and downstream of the pressure relief device on the ammonia surge tank remained open.  The block valves were not car-sealed open and were not included in the car-seal inspection program.  Employees were at risk of serious injury from exposure to anhydrous ammonia if the system over-pressurized and the surge tank did not safely depressurize.