OSHA Inspection: MESSER LLC

Issued

Jul 22, 2021

Abate by

Sep 8, 2021

Penalty

Initial $13,653 · Current $13,653

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 were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to thermal and asphyxiation hazards created by the use of liquid nitrogen and nitrogen vapor in freezer systems.    On or about January 23 and 27, 2021, at the worksite Foundation Food Group, Inc., located at 2076 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA, employees were exposed to potential thermal and asphyxiation injuries or death associated with the release of liquid nitrogen and nitrogen vapor from the liquid nitrogen systems, which was not operated in a manner that would protect employees from the risk of serious injuries and death.  Feasible and acceptable means of abatement are to:  a. Provide to Foundation Food Group the Operation & Maintenance manuals, electrical schematics and worker training documentation for the Immersion/Spiral freezer.  b. As an enhanced abatement, Messer will implement a customer outreach program to existing customers with LIN equipment installed by Messer to reemphasize the importance and safety purposes of Messer's recommendation that the customer install appropriate oxygen monitoring and adequate ventilation in connection with any Messer-installed application equipment using LIN.

Issued

Jul 22, 2021

Abate by

Sep 8, 2021

Penalty

Initial $13,653 · Current $13,653

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:   a - On or about January 23, 2021, at the worksite Foundation Food Group, Inc., located at 2076 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 Freezer room employees were exposed to hazards associated with fire and chemical emergencies due to restricted route of egress from the manifold side of the freezer . Employees had to climb under equipment in an effort to exit from behind the freezer. One route was limited in height to 3.1 ft. and the second route under a platform was 4.4 ft. in height.

Issued

Jul 22, 2021

Abate by

Sep 8, 2021

Penalty

Initial $13,653 · Current $13,653

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A): Authorized employee(s) did not receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation.  a - On or about January 23, 2021, at the worksite Foundation Food Group, Inc., located at 2076 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA, Plant 4, in the Line 4 freezer room, employees were exposed to mechanical and thermal hazards as the employer did not provide adequate training to employees who performed servicing and maintenance work on the Line 4 Immersion/Spiral freezer.

Issued

Jul 22, 2021

Abate by

Sep 8, 2021

Penalty

Initial $13,653 · Current $13,653

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(d): The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6).   a - On or about January 23, 2021, at the worksite Foundation Food Group, Inc., located at 2076 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 freezer room, employees were exposed to mechanical and thermal hazards as the employer did not ensure authorized employees utilized lockout while servicing and maintaining the Line 4 liquid nitrogen Immersion/Spiral Freezer.

Issued

Jul 22, 2021

Abate by

Sep 8, 2021

Penalty

Initial $9,753 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(f)(2)(i): When outside servicing personnel were engaged in activities in a facility, the onsite employer and the outside employer did not inform each other of their respective lockout or tagout procedures.  a - On or about January 23, 2021, at the worksite Foundation Food Group, Inc., located at 2076 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 freezer room, employees were exposed to mechanical and thermal hazards while servicing the Line 4 liquid nitrogen Immersion/Spiral Freezer as the employer did not ensure employees understood and complied with requirements of the onsite employer's Lockout/Tagout Program.

Issued

Jul 22, 2021

Abate by

Sep 8, 2021

Penalty

Initial $9,753 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(D): Each authorized employee did not affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device before working on the machine or equipment.   a - On or about January 23, 2021, at the worksite Foundation Food Group, Inc., located at 2076 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 freezer room, employees were exposed to amputation and chemical hazards while performing servicing and maintenance work on the Line 4 liquid nitrogen Immersion/Spiral Freezer as the employer did not ensure employees applied a lock for such work.