OSHA has cited asalt manufacturing plant for 13 safety violations and proposed penalties of $58,100 for exposing workers to chemical hazards. The complaint inspection, which began in March, was initiated under the agency’s complaint process and expanded to the PSM NEP. In this case, it’s the use of anhydrous ammonia. Seven of the 12 serious violations involve deficiencies in PSM, including:
- failing to compile process safety information for the safety systems, such as relief systems;
- ensure equipment complies with recognized and good engineering practices, such as discharge pipe locations; and
- perform a hazard analysis using methodology appropriate to the complexity of the system.
- failing to establish a system to promptly address the process hazard analysis team’s findings with a written schedule to assure that the deficiencies were corrected in a timely manner;
- inspect and test equipment, such as piping or compressors; and
- establish and implement procedures to manage changes to the process
The remaining serious violations include:
- failing to guard sprocket wheels, chains and clutch pulleys;
- identify the equipment that is used for damp or wet locations and subject to exposure to corrosive salt atmosphere; and
- ensuring that flexible cords and cables were connected to devices and fittings.
The penalty for the serious violations total $49,700.
One repeat violation, with a penalty of $8,400, was cited for failing to keep workroom floors clean and dry. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. A similar violation was cited in 2010.
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