A OSHRC review of PSM Citations following a 32,000 pound release (NH3 Refrigeration)

On August 23, 2010, at a refrigeration plant in Alabama, approximately 32,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia was unexpectedly released into the atmosphere from a cracked pipe on the suction header on the plant’s roof and a broken evaporator coil in Freezer #5.  The plant was evacuated and an inspection was initiated by OSHA.  On February 22, 2011, OSHA issued citations to the company for alleged violations of process safety management, emergency response, respiratory protection and recordkeeping standards. This article does NOT discuss the recordkeeping citations, ONLY the PSM, emergency response, and respiratory protection citations.

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