OSHA Inspection: DARIGOLD INC

Issued

May 22, 2012

Abate by

Nov 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):     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 Ammonia inhalation hazards and/or fire hazards:            On or about March 7, 2012 and at times prior, employees working in the Ammonia refrigeration mechanical room, were not adequately protected against the potential release of anhydrous ammonia in that: a. The space containing the refrigeration machinery was not separated from other occupancies (such as the boiler room) by tight construction with tight fitting self-closing doors. b. Remote control of the mechanical equipment in the ammonia refrigeration room was not provided immediately outside the machinery room door solely for the purpose of shutting down the equipment in an emergency. c. Ventilation fans for the compressor room did not have a control switch located immediately outside the machinery room door. d. The employer did not ensure that a working ammonia gas detection system was provided for the compressor room to alert employees to a leak of ammonia. e. A manual, slow-closing gate valve was used to drain oil from a collection pot instead of either a self-closing valve or a manual quick-closing emergency stop valve. f. Two self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) were not located immediately outside of the compressor room. g. Emergency shutdown procedures, including precautions to be observed in case of a breakdown or leak, were not displayed on a card or sign located as near as possible to the refrigerant compressor(s). h. The compressor room was not provided with either a continuously operated, independent mechanical ventilation system, or an independent mechanical ventilation system actuated automatically by a vapor detection system when the concentration of ammonia in the room exceeds 25of the LEL, or electrical equipment which conforms to the requirements for Class 1 Division 2 locations as defined in the National Electrical Code, as required by ANSI/ASHRAE 15-2007 8.12(h).

Issued

May 22, 2012

Abate by

Nov 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(h):     "Railings and handrails." Standard railings were not provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. Stair railings and handrails shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of 1910.23.