OSHA Inspection: STERLING ETHANOL, LLC

Issued

Dec 17, 2013

Abate by

Jan 4, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,275 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(c)(1): The employer did not develop a written plan of action regarding implementation of the employee participation required by this paragraph:       (a)        Sterling Ethanol, LLC at 450 Angus Avenue, Sterling, CO 80751: On and before 6/20/13, the employer did not develop a written plan of action regarding implementation of the employee participation required by the paragraph. The employer is a process safety management facility with ethanol and ammonia. The employer did not develop a written plan with regards to employee participation in the process safety management program. This condition exposed employees to a chemical hazard.       Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 17, 2013

Abate by

Jan 4, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(c)(2):    The employer did not consult with employees and their representative on the conduct and development of process hazard analyses:    a)    Sterling Ethanol, LLC at 450 Angus Avenue, Sterling, CO 80751: On and before 6/20/13, the employer did not include employee involvement by non lead employees in the development of the process hazard analysis (PHA), standard operating procedures, mechanical integrity and incident investigations.   Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Dec 17, 2013

Abate by

Jan 4, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,365 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.119(f)(3): The operating procedures shall be reviewed as often as necessary to assure that they reflect current operating practice, including changes that result from changes in process chemicals, technology, and equipment, and changes to facilities. The employer shall certify annually that these operating procedures are current and accurate.       (a)        Sterling Ethanol, LLC at 450 Angus Avenue, Sterling, CO 80751: On and before 6/20/13, the employer did not ensure that operating procedures were reviewed as often as necessary to assure that they reflected current operating practice. The company replaced a carbon steel process water line to stainless steel pipes. This condition exposed employees to chemical and fire hazards.          Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 17, 2013

Abate by

Feb 10, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,360 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:       (a)        Sterling Ethanol, LLC at 450 Angus Avenue, Sterling, CO 80751: On and before 6/20/13, the employer did not provide and ensure the use of flame-resistant clothing necessary to protect employees from burns due to flash fires. Employees were exposed to liquid splashes, vapors, burns, and flash fire hazards while handling large quantities of ethanol, a flammable material.         Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").