OSHA Inspection: HEARTHSIDE FOOD SOLUTIONS, LLC

Issued

Dec 14, 2023

Penalty

Initial $9,822 · Current $6,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.119(d)(3)(ii): The employer did not document that equipment complies with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices:   (a) Ammonia refrigeration engine room - On or about September 7, 2023, the refrigeration engine room door, leading from the forklift battery charging area, was not tight-fitting to prevent the migration of ammonia into other work areas in the event of a release. Employees performing tasks in the engine room, forklift battery charging area, and adjacent areas, would be exposed to ammonia vapors in the event of a significant release. The employer did not document compliance, for this door, with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices such as, but not limited to, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2010 Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems.  This item corrected during inspection.

Issued

Dec 14, 2023

Abate by

Feb 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $12,278 · Current $8,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.119(j)(2):The employer did not establish or implement written procedures to maintain the on-going integrity of process equipment:  (a) Piping throughout the facility - On or about June 22, 2023, the employer did not establish a mechanical integrity program or procedure to address Corrosion Under Insulation of the ammonia refrigeration piping system. Employees performing tasks in adjacent production areas would be exposed to ammonia vapors in the event of a significant release.  Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).

Issued

Dec 14, 2023

Penalty

Initial $12,278 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.119(j)(4)(iii):The frequency of inspections and tests of process equipment shall be consistent with applicable manufacturers' recommendations and good engineering practices, and more frequently if determined to be necessary by prior operating experience:  (a) Piping throughout the facility - On or about June 22, 2023, the ammonia refrigeration piping system was not frequently inspected and/or tested consistently. The employer did not frequently inspect or test equipment accordance with the recognized and generally good engineering practices (RAGAGEP) such as, but not limited to, ANSI/IIAR 6, Section 5.4.2: Every fifth (5th) year, at a minimum, the annual inspections shall be conducted by a qualified inspector who shall not be influenced by the facility's record keeping, operations, maintenance, or management. Employees performing tasks in adjacent production areas would be exposed to ammonia vapors in the event of a significant release.   (b) Pressure vessels throughout the facility - On or about June 22, 2023, ammonia refrigeration pressure vessels were not frequently inspected and/or tested consistently. The employer did not frequently inspect or test equipment accordance with the recognized and generally good engineering practices (RAGAGEP) such as, but not limited to, ANSI/IIAR 6, Section 5.4.2: Every fifth (5th) year, at a minimum, the annual inspections shall be conducted by a qualified inspector who shall not be influenced by the facility's record keeping, operations, maintenance, or management. Employees performing tasks in adjacent production areas would be exposed to ammonia vapors in the event of a significant release.  This item corrected during inspection.

Issued

Dec 14, 2023

Abate by

Feb 14, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $11,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation:  (a) Bailer area and rear loading docks - On or about July 13, 2023, employees were exposed to the chemical hazards of DeVere Security Floor Treatment (Serious Eye Irritant) during sweeping and disposal without the use of appropriate eye protection.   (b) Drains and entryways of primary production rooms - On or about July 13, 2023, sanitation employees applied DeVere Security Floor Treatment (Serious Eye Irritant) without the use of appropriate eye protection.   (c) Throughout the facility - On or about July 13, 2023, employees were exposed to the chemical hazards of ChemSan 2007 (Corrosive) during dispensing and use without the use of appropriate eye protection.   (d) Chemical dispensing stations throughout the facility - On or about July 13, 2023, employees were exposed to the corrosive chemical hazards of ChemSan 2007,  Foaming Chlorinated Cleaner,  General Purpose Cleaner, and Heavy Duty Degreaser without the use of appropriate eye protection.  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Dec 14, 2023

Abate by

Jan 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $12,278 · Current $8,000 Reduced

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) North Janitor Closet - On or about July 13, 2023, sanitation employees were exposed to corrosive materials during dispensing, such as ChemSan 2007,  Foaming Chlorinated Cleaner,  General Purpose Cleaner, and Heavy Duty Degreaser without access to emergency washing facilities in the immediate work area.  (b) Primary Lines 1, 2, 8, and 9 - On or about July 13, 2023, sanitation employees were exposed to corrosive materials during use and application such as Foaming Chlorinated Cleaner and General Purpose Cleaner without access to emergency washing facilities in the immediate work area.  Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).

Issued

Dec 14, 2023

Abate by

Jan 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $12,278 · Current $7,500 Reduced

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) Throughout the facility - On or about June 22, 2023, employees work near and adjacent to the plant wide ammonia refrigeration system.  Employees did not receive effective hazard communication information and training.   (b) Primary production rooms and docks - On or about June 22, 2023, employees were exposed to the chemical hazards of DeVere Security Floor Treatment (Oxidizer and Eye Irritant).  Employees did not receive effective hazard communication information and training.  (c) Throughout the facility - On or about June 22, 2023, employees work near and adjacent to compressed gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.  The employees did not receive effective hazard communication information and training.   Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).