PSM and RMP Citations/Analysis

A hotwork fire at a natural gas processing plant occurred while installing the 4 inch weld-a-let. Sweet dehydrated natural gas was released and ignited, causing a flash fire that lasted for approximately one second. As a result of the flash fire, hot gases and radiant heat were released through the 4 inch hole, burning the…...

A nationwide ice maker has been cited by OSHA for 9 serious and 3 repeat workplace safety violations for $147,000 at it’s Fairport, NY, plant. The inspection was conducted under OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting Program that directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces where the highest rates of injuries and illnesses occur. OSHA inspectors found workers exposed…...

The Respondent, a manufacturer, packager and distributer of multiple grades of high-purity solvents, acids, salts and bonded phase products, has four RMProgram covered processes which stores or otherwise uses chloroform, ethyl ether, formaldehyde, and hydrogen fluoride in amounts exceeding their applicable thresholds of 20,000; 10,000; 15,000; and 1,000 pounds respectively. Based on an RMProgram compliance monitoring…...

November 2-3, 2011, EPA conducted an inspection of fertilizer manufacturing plant (Anhydrous Ammonia) to determine compliance with Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act and 40 C.F.R. Part 68.  Information gathered during the EPA inspection revealed the facility had greater than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia in a process at its facility. From the time…...

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…...

The inspection began in May under the agency’s PSM NEP. The violations stemmed from the company’s refrigeration system. Six of the eight serious violations involve deficiencies in the PSM program, including failing to:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

A company has agreed to pay a $15,290 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at its fertilizer facility. As part of its settlement agreement with EPA Region 7, the company will spend an additional $75,370 to complete a supplemental environmental project.  The settlement stems from an inspection that revealed…...

Process Safety Information (Pipe Labeling & Tagging) Document that equipment complies with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices as required by Section 112(r)(7) of the Act, and 40 C.F.R. §68.65(d)(2).During the facility walkthrough, it was apparent that ammonia system piping and component labeling and tagging was not in conformance with IIAR Bulletin 114. Operating…...

Respondent owns and operates a natural gas liquid extraction facility which consists of buildings, equipment, structures, and other stationary items which are located on a single site or on contiguous or adjacent sites, and which are owned or operated by the same person (the natural gas liquid extraction facility). On March 18, 2009, under Section…...

Respondent owns and operates a manufacturing facility, which produced, used, or stored more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. During an October and December 2011 inspection EPA found the following issues, settling for $146,000…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

Two (2) frozen food production plants have been cited by OSHA with 27 safety violations carrying fines of $150,000. OSHA received complaints alleging hazards with the ammonia refrigeration systems at these facilities. A fire at the Burlington facility Jan. 30 resulted in the destruction of a portion of the plant’s ammonia refrigeration system, causing significant…...

A poultry processing plant has been cited with 11 safety violations and proposed penalties totaling $170,000. The inspection, which began in January, was initiated under the agency’s PSM Covered Chemical Facilities NEP. A willful violation, with a $70,000 fine, was cited for failing to document that the emergency shutdown system for the engine room was…...