Heat Exchanger opening gone bad at poultry plant – 419 pounds of NH3 released with serious injuries

At 8:42 p.m. on February 19, 2022, Contractor #1 was taking apart an active heat exchanger. While doing this, 419 pounds of ammonia were released, causing upper body burns to an the contractor. Two contractors and one employee went to the hospital. The contractor was hospitalized for treatment. 

Violation Summary
Violations/Penalties Serious Willful Repeat Other Total
Initial Violations 2       2
Current Violations 2       2
Initial Penalty $11,602 $0 $0 $0 $11,602
Current Penalty $7,000 $0 $0 $0 $7,000

 

Violation Items
# Citation ID Citaton Type Standard Issuance Date Abatement Due Date Current Penalty Initial Penalty Contest Latest Event Note
1. 01001A Serious 19100119 H03 I 07/19/2022 10/28/2022 $3,500 $5,801   I – Informal Settlement  
2. 01001B Serious 19100119 H03 III 07/19/2022 08/22/2022 $0 $0   I – Informal Settlement Citation has been deleted.
3. 01002 Serious 19101200 E01 07/19/2022 10/28/2022 $3,500 $5,801   I – Informal Settlement  

 

 

Sources:

https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1580692.015

https://www.ketv.com/article/chemical-leak-at-fremont-plant-injures-three-people/39155560

 

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