OSHA Inspection: JOSEPH P. SULLIVAN & CO., INC.

Issued

2021-01-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-06-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5398.00 · Current $2600.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0170

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 contact with anhydrous ammonia from potentially catastrophic releases from the refrigeration system of a facility used for the packaging, storage, and distribution of apples that is not effectively inspected, tested, and maintained to ensure its continued serviceability, the piping of which is not properly supported, and the emergency ventilation system of which is not properly designed:  (a) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, Road:  On or about 09/08/2020, observations of the operating condition of the facility's ammonia refrigeration system are not made and recorded frequently enough to detect and/or prevent departures from normal operating conditions in a timely fashion.  (b) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, Road:  On or about 09/08/2020, the ammonia sensors of the facility's refrigeration system have not been calibrated at an interval as specified in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and/or good engineering practice.  (c) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, Road:  On or about 09/08/2020, oil return lines on the reciprocating compressors were supported with zip ties and tape.  (d) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, Road:  On or about 09/08/2020, the discharge of the emergency ventilation system for the facility's ammonia refrigeration mechanical room was not directed so as not to create a danger and to provide good dispersion based on prevailing conditions and existing structures.

Issued

2021-01-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-06-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 0170

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c):Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use:  (a) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, MA:  On or about 09/08/2020, no emergency eyewash and body shower unit was located within the facility's ammonia refrigeration system mechanical room, nor were such units located external to the mechanical room readily accessible via an exit.

Issued

2021-01-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-06-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 0170

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii):Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:  (a) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, MA:  On or about 09/08/2020, a junction box located on the west wall of the facility's ammonia refrigeration system mechanical room was missing a knockout on the bottom.

Issued

2021-01-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-02-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3856.00 · Current $1900.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(b)(8):Ladders were not used only for the purpose for which they were designed:  (a) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, MA:  On or about 09/07/2020, a stepladder was propped up against a wall in the closed position and used for access/egress from an upper roof to a lower roof.

Issued

2021-01-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-02-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 0170

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(11):Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface did not have side rails that extended at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface:  (a) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, MA:  On or about 09/07/2020, a stepladder used for access/egress from an upper roof to a lower roof did extend at least three feet past the edge of the upper roof.

Issued

2021-01-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-02-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5398.00 · Current $2600.00 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) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, MA:  On or about 09/07/2020, an employee responded to a release of anhydrous ammonia from the facility's refrigeration system and took defensive action to reduce the impact of the release away from the point of release and the employer has not implemented an emergency response plan.

Issued

2021-01-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-02-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 0170

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii):First responders at the operational level did not receive at least eight hours of training or did not have sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the areas required by 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii)(A) through (q)(6)(ii)(F) and/or the employer did not so certify:  (a) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, MA:  On or about 09/07/2020, an employee responded to a release of anhydrous ammonia from the facility's refrigeration system and took defensive action to reduce the impact of the release away from the point of release without having received training to the first responder - operations level of HAZWOPER.

Issued

2021-01-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-02-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3856.00 · Current $1900.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0170

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1):Employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):   (a) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, MA:  On or about 09/08/2020, the facility does not have a hazard communication program addressing workplace labeling, safety data sheets, and employee information and training regarding hazardous chemicals in the workplace including, but not limited to anhydrous ammonia.

Issued

2021-01-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-02-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 0170

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1):Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:  (a) Location - 50 Barnum Road, Ayer, MA:  On or about 09/08/2020, employees have not received information and training under a hazard communication program regarding hazardous chemicals in their workplace including, but not limited to anhydrous ammonia.