OSHA Inspection: NORTHERN ORCHARD CO, INC.

Issued

Oct 15, 2015

Abate by

Jan 19, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,650 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 inhalation and burn hazards resulting from an uncontrolled release of anhydrous ammonia.    (a) Anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system, on or prior to 5/27/2015:  Refrigeration system was not adequately designed, installed, and maintained to protect employees from an uncontrolled release of anhydrous ammonia vapor.  Observed deficiencies included but are not limited to:      Quantity of ammonia in the refrigeration system was not known.  A sign was not posted in the machine room, displaying the following information:  name, address and phone number of servicing contractor; approximate quantity of ammonia; lubricant identity and amount; field test pressure.  (See for example: IIAR Bulletin 109; ASHRAE 15 2010, section 11.2.1).    Emergency shutdown procedures were not established.  Emergency shutdown procedures, including precautions to be observed in the event of a leak, were not displayed on a sign or card located as near as possible to the refrigerant compressors (See for example: ASHRAE 15 2010, Section 11.7)      The compressor room was not equipped with ammonia vapor detector(s) and visuals and audible alarm which actuated the mechanical ventilation system (ASHRAE 15 2010, section 8.11.2.1)      All piping mains, headers and branches were not labeled as to the physical state of the refrigerant (gas or liquid), the relative pressure level of the refrigerant, and the direction of flow (See for example: IIAR-2 Section 10.5).      Pipes, valves, and equipment in the compressor room were not labeled.  Valves and controls in compressor room were not identified with durable signs having letters more than 0.5 inch in height designating: valves or switches for controlling refrigerant flow, ventilation, and compressor(s) (See for example: ASHRAE 15 2010, section 11.2.2).      Pressure relief valve (PRV) were not tagged to indicate the installation date.  As a result, the service life of many PRVs could not be determined.  (See for example: IIAR Bulletin109)         Vents for pressure relief valves on the high-pressure receiver, condenser unit(s), and other equipment outside of the compressor room (on the S side of the facility) did not extend 15 feet above ground level (ASHRAE 15 2010, section 9.7.8).         Corrosion protection was not uniform on all piping in anhydrous ammonia service.  Some pipe runs were painted while others showed significant corrosion.  Inspections for corrosion or insulation damage were not performed on uninsulated and insulated piping (See for example: IIAR Bulletin 109 Sections 4.7.4 and 4.7.5).      The facility did not maintain complete maintenance or inspection records.  Other than work orders maintained by the servicing contractor, there were no records of additional maintenance, such as vibration testing on compressors or inspection of safety cutout switches (See for example: IIAR Bulletin 109).

Issued

Oct 15, 2015

Abate by

Dec 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,650 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0170

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.120(q)(1): The employer did not develop and implement an emergency response plan to handle anticipated emergencies prior to commencement of emergency response operations:      (a) Main plant, all work areas:  On or prior to 5/27/15, the employer did not develop and implement an emergency response plan to handle anticipated emergencies associated with an anhydrous ammonia release.

Issued

Oct 15, 2015

Abate by

Oct 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2): Pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings were not provided with covers approved for the purpose:  (a)  Compressor room:  On or prior to 5/27/15, 480V three-phase compressor motor starter disconnect enclosures located along the south wall of the room were not kept fully closed.