OSHA Inspection: ATHENS FOODS, INC.

Issued

May 1, 2026

Penalty

Initial $5,107 · Current $5,107

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.101(b): The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders, portable tanks, rail tankcars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks were not in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, which is incorporated by reference as specified in CFR 1910.6:  On or about December 4, 2025 , compressed gas cylinders located in the maintenance area were stored improperly:  (a) Compressed gas storage area was not prominently posted with the hazard class or name of the gases where appropriate.  (b) Compressed gas cylinders were not secured to prevent falling.

Issued

May 1, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.253(b)(4)(iii): Oxygen cylinders in storage were not separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour:  On or about December 4, 2025, oxygen cylinders were stored next to acetylene cylinders, not in portable carts or connected for use, in the maintenance area.

Issued

May 1, 2026

Abate by

Jun 18, 2026

Penalty

Initial $6,809 · Current $6,809

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(c)(1): A written respiratory protection program that included the provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1)(i) - (ix) with worksite specific procedures was not established and implemented for required respirator use:  On or about December 4, 2025, the employer did not develop and implement a respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures for employees required to use Sundstrom SR200 full-face tight-fitting respirators with cartridges while maintaining industrial refrigeration systems that utilize Anhydrous ammonia (NH?) to cool and freeze products and maintain temperature control.

Issued

May 1, 2026

Abate by

Jun 18, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(e)(1): The employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee was fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace:  On or about December 4, 2025, the employer did not provide a medical evaluation to employees required to wear Sundstrom SR200 full-face tight-fitting respirators with cartridges while maintaining industrial refrigeration systems that utilize Anhydrous ammonia (NH?) to cool and freeze products and maintain temperature control.

Issued

May 1, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(f)(2): Employee(s) using tight-fitting facepiece respirators were not fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator:  On or about December 4, 2025, the employer did not fit test employees required to use Sundstrom SR200 full-face tight-fitting respirators with cartridges while maintaining industrial refrigeration systems that utilize Anhydrous ammonia (NH?) to cool and freeze products and maintain temperature control.

Issued

May 1, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(k)(1): The employer did not provide respirator training that ensured that each employee could demonstrate knowledge of at least the following elements: Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator; What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are; How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions; How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator; What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator, and How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators:  On or about December 4, 2025, the employer did not provide respirator training to employees required to use Sundstrom SR200 full-face tight-fitting respirators with cartridges while maintaining industrial refrigeration systems that utilize Anhydrous ammonia (NH?) to cool and freeze products and maintain temperature control.

Issued

May 1, 2026

Abate by

Jun 18, 2026

Penalty

Initial $6,809 · Current $6,809

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i): The employer did not conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirement of this standard were being followed:  On or about December 4, 2025, the employer did not ensure periodic inspections of energy control procedures were conducted annually, including a review of each authorized employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedures. Authorized employees are required to conduct and direct service/maintenance activities on the Athens Filo, Bites Laminator, and the Viking Automated Cartoner machines, requiring them to perform lockout/tagout.