OSHA Inspection: FRY FOODS, INC.

Issued

Aug 26, 2025

Abate by

Jan 2, 2026

Penalty

Initial $13,240 · Current $6,620 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 freezing and storage of fried foods.  Fry Foods, Inc. located in Tiffin, Ohio:  On or about March 26, 2025 and at times thereafter, in the machinery rooms, freezer rooms, refrigerated workrooms, and outside the facility where equipment and piping for the refrigeration system is located the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from anhydrous ammonia hazards.  A check valve on the refrigeration system was leaking resulting in the release of ammonia vapors in the freezer palletizing area.  Additionally, the ammonia receiver showed evidence of surface corrosion and pitting, ammonia system piping located inside the machinery room and outside near the receiver exhibited peeling paint, surface corrosion and pitting, and machinery room equipment and piping exhibited ice buildup which has fully covered a valve on the system. These conditions exposed employees to hazards associated with the release of anhydrous ammonia such as, but not limited to, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, corrosive burns, eye damage, fire, and explosion.   In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 26, 2025

Abate by

Jan 2, 2026

Penalty

Initial $9,458 · Current $4,729 Reduced

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:  On or about March 26, 2025, the employer had not provided information and training on hazardous chemicals such as anhydrous ammonia which is used in the facility's refrigeration system. Employees working in refrigerated and freezer areas of the facility are exposed to hazards associated with the release of anhydrous ammonia such as, but not limited to, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, corrosive burns, eye injury, fire, and explosion. Training should cover the written hazard communication program, health hazards associated with the chemicals, methods to detect the release of hazardous chemicals, and measures employees can take to protect themselves from exposure to the chemicals.