OSHA Inspection: WHITEHALL SPECIALTIES, INC.

Issued

Dec 28, 2016

Abate by

Mar 31, 2017

Penalty

Initial $12,471 · Current $7,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0170

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm in that employees were exposed to inhalation hazards from anhydrous ammonia when a suction regulating solenoid valve EV5-19 O-ring failed in the old warehouse.      On or about August 01, 2016, employees working in the old warehouse were exposed to anhydrous ammonia.    Among others, feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard include, but is not limited to, conform to the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Ammonia Refrigeration Management (ARM) program, which contains details on how to establish a management system for handling anhydrous ammonia safely, including documentation, preventative maintenance, incident investigations, hazard review and managing system changes.  Other options could include compliance with IIAR Bulletin No. 110 Guidelines for:  Start-up, Inspection and Maintenance of Ammonia Mechanical Refrigerating System, specifically section 6.6.2 which describes the recommendations for inspection and maintenance of control valves.