OSHA began a programmed-targeted inspection on July 23, 2015, under the agency’s Process Safety Management Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program to reduce or eliminate the release of highly hazardous chemicals. Following the inspection of the plant’s anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system, OSHA issued citations for 11 serious and three repeat violations and also placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. Some of the 11 serious violations cited include failing to:
SPECIAL NOTE: This company had a PSM related fatality in 2015 at a facility located in Canada. A sub-contractor working for an oil analysis company died from NH3 release event. Details have not yet been released from the Ontario Ministry of Labour.