PSM and RMP Citations/Analysis

NV-OSHA (state plan) have cited an oil refining company for three serious violations stemming from a December explosion that left one employee seriously burned.  The action proposes the refinery pay up to $20,790 in fines. Final determination is still in the administrative process.   According to the state, refinery workers were attempting to restore flow to an…...

U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a Fish Processor pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Anchorage to a charge of illegal dumping of ammonia into the Kodiak city sewer. The Fish Processor was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline, to three years of probation, and $205,000…...

The Respondent, at its stationary source identified in Paragraph 5 of this CAFO, has one RMProgram covered process which stores or otherwise uses ammonia in an amount exceeding its applicable threshold of 10,000 pounds.  Based on an RMProgram compliance monitoring investigation initiated on June 13, 2012, the EPA alleges that the Respondent violated the codified…...

The Respondent has two RMProgram covered processes which stores or otherwise uses chlorine and methyl chloride in amounts exceeding its applicable respective thresholds of 2,500 and 10,000 pounds.  Based on an RMProgram compliance monitoring investigation initiated on January 15-16, 2013, the EPA alleges that the Respondent violated the codified rules governing the CAA Chemical Accident…...

Based on an RMProgram compliance monitoring investigation initiated on July 25, 2012, the EPA alleges that the Respondent violated the codified rules governing the CAA Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions, because Respondent did not adequately implement provisions of 40 CFR Part 68 when it:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership...

A chemical manufacturer has been cited by OSHA for 15 serious violations of the process safety management standard. The August 2013 inspection was initiated under OSHA’s Process Safety Management Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program. The company faces $73,500 in proposed penalties for exposing workers to hazardous chemical risks. The majority of violations relate to…...

This is a very interesting citation!  OSHA issued citations to three (3) DIFFERENT organizations from the same inspection at a frozen foods plant. They cited the host company, a contractor who provides maintenance services for the refrigeration process, and the temp staffing agency that provided temp employees who worked in the plant.  Not sure how…...

OSHA has cited a polymers plant for 12 violations, mainly for exposing workers to chemical hazards from solvents used at the plant. The inspection was initiated following a referral from the National Response Center (NRC) due to an incident involving a methyl chloride release at the plant on July 18, 2013. One repeat PSM violation…...

A plant that produces films used in packaging has been cited by OSHA for 19 PSM related violations. The plant has been cited for exposing workers to flammable chemicals. OSHA has proposed penalties of $112,500. The inspection was initiated in July 2013 under OSHA’s PSM NEP and found employees were exposed to health and safety…...

This case may be the “whopper” that sinks the General Duty Clause perverbal teeth into the refrigeration industry.  From all accounts, it appears this facility was inspected and issued some NOVs, which the facility agreed to take care of.  A year later, EPA returned for a follow-up inspection and found items not corrected. Here are…...

On August 10, 2012, EPA conducted a compliance inspection of a refrigerated Distribution Center to determine its compliance with the Risk Management Program (“RMP”) regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 112(r) of the Act, and set forth at 40 C.F.R. Part 68. Based on the August 10, 2012 inspection, EPA has determined that Respondent violated the…...

On June 23, 1999, Respondent submitted a Risk Management Plan (“RMP”) for the Facility for the storage of acrolein. Respondent de-registered the RMP from EPA’s national database on July 15, 2010. EPA conducted an inspection of the Facility on August 11, 2010, to assess Respondent’s compliance with Section 112(r)(l) and (7) of the CAA, 42…...