OSHA PSM Citations @ Beef Processing Plant (NH3 & $182K)

OSHA has cited a beef processing plant after an employee suffered severe burns caused by exposure to anhydrous ammonia, the plants refrigerant. The beef processing plant faces penalties of $182,926 for 16 serious safety violations. OSHA cited the company for process safety management (PSM) program deficiencies, failing to guard roof openings, and electrical safety and lockout/tagout violations. Here is a breakdown of the citations:

1. Skylight Fall Hazards
2. No Ventilation Design Basis, along with the engine room not being built as a Class I, Div 2 HAZLOC
3. Pipe Labeling and King Valve Labeling
4. PHA failed to list or address any potential consequences of ammonia being vented back into the plant
5. Ammonia vessel not protected from vehicular impact
6. No safe work practices (e.g. LOTO) for employees and contractors performing maintenance activities on covered processes
7. No audio or visual alarms are in or outside of the engine room
8. EAP did not include procedures for handling small releases
9. No specific LOTO procedures for the Four Quarter Saw on the Chuck Line and the Brisket Saw
10. No eyewash available outside of the engine room
11. Eyewash in the engine room was not accessible due to a cabinet that was used to store extra parts
12. No fire extinguisher educational program in place, yet policy is for employees to fight incipient fires
13. Electrical boxes on Compressors 1, 2, and 3 had missing covers, exposing live wires
14. Outlet box in the damp processing room that had a broken cover exposing electrical conductors
15. New employees not trained at the time of their initial assignment with the hazards of ammonia