OSHA Inspection: AMERICOLD LOGISTICS

Issued

Apr 8, 2013

Abate by

Apr 23, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $5,500

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.  The employer does not ensure that equipment in the process complies with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices.      The violation occurred in the #1 and #2 ammonia refrigeration engine rooms on or about November 13, 2012 and at times prior thereto where employer failed to ensure emergency mechanical ventilation system(s) were activated by an ammonia detector; ran continuously and provided with a supervisory alarm to detect failure or shutdown of system; or the engine room conformed to the requirements of Class 1, Division 2, of the National Electrical Code in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE-15. This condition exposed employees to inhalation, fire, and explosion hazards from releases of anhydrous ammonia.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps it is taking to ensure that equipment in the process complies with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices.

Issued

Apr 8, 2013

Abate by

Jun 3, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(j)(2):  The employer did not establish and implement written procedures to maintain the on-going mechanical integrity of process equipment.  The employer does not ensure written procedures are established and implemented to maintain the on-going mechanical integrity of the process equipment.  a.  The violation occurred in the ammonia refrigeration engine room(s) on or about November 13, 2012 and at times prior thereto where the employer failed to ensure detailed written procedures were established and implemented for testing of safety cutouts. Identified cutouts include but are not limited to Compressor Discharge High/Low Pressure, Compressor High/Low Oil Pressure Differential, Compressor High Discharge Temperature, High/Low Vessel Levels, Ammonia Detectors & Calibration, and the Emergency Stop (E-stop). This condition exposed employees to inhalation hazards.  b.  The violation occurred in the ammonia refrigeration engine room(s)  on or about November 13, 2012 and at times prior thereto where the employer failed to ensure detailed written procedures were established and implemented for the visual external inspections of insulated piping and vessels.  This condition exposed employees to inhalation hazards.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date the employer must submit documentation showing it is in compliance with the standard, including description of the steps it is taking to ensure written procedures are established and implemented to maintain the on-going mechanical integrity of process equipment.

Issued

Apr 8, 2013

Abate by

Jun 3, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(j)(4)(iv):  The documentation of the inspection or test that had been performed on process equipment to maintain its mechanical integrity did not identify the date of the inspection or test, the serial number or other identifier of the equipment on which the inspection or test was performed, a description of the inspection or test, and the results of the inspection or test.  The employer does not ensure inspection(s) or test(s) that had been performed on process equipment to maintain its mechanical integrity are documented including the date of the inspection or test, a description of the inspection or test, and the results of the inspection or test.   The violation occurred in the ammonia refrigeration engine room(s) on or about November 13, 2012 and at times prior thereto where the employer failed to ensure results of inspection(s) or test(s) performed on safety systems and cutouts were documented. Identified safety systems include but are not limited to Compressor Discharge High/Low Pressure, Compressor High/Low Oil Pressure Differential, Compressor High Discharge Temperature, High/Low Vessel Levels, and Engine Room Emergency Shutdown (E-stop). This condition exposed employees to inhalation hazards.   Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date the employer must submit documentation showing it is in compliance with the standard, including description of the steps it is taking to ensure inspection(s) or test(s) that are performed on process equipment to maintain its mechanical integrity are documented including the date, a description, and the results of the inspection or test.