On October 19, 2019, @ 07:15 a.m., a contractor employee was standing on a scissor lift and replacing insulation on the pipes in the engine room of Building 3. As the employee lowered the scissor lift, the walking platform of the scissor lift where a technician was standing struck the service drain valve (3ML 3064) and cracked the nipple at the thread, causing an uncontrolled release of pressurized anhydrous ammonia.
The employee dismounted the scissor lift from its initial position and evacuated the engine room.
A coworker immediately notified the refrigeration personnel of the ammonia release, who responded to the incident and isolated the service drain valve.
The employee sustained first and second-degree burns to the lower leg and was treated but not hospitalized.
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 2 | 2 | |||
| Current Violations | 2 | 2 | |||
| Initial Penalty | $19,800 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $19,800 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,650 | $1,650 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | Contest | Latest Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Other |
5144(A)(2) – Respirators shall be provided by the employer when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee. The employer shall provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended. The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program which shall include the requirements outlined in subsection (c) |
04/13/2020 | 05/07/2020 | $825 | $9,900 | 04/22/2020 | F – Formal Settlement |
| 2. | 02001 | Other | 5189(N) – Emergency Planning and Response | 04/13/2020 | 05/07/2020 | $825 | $9,900 | 04/22/2020 | F – Formal Settlement |
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