Seaboard Foods faces a $51,000 penalty after an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found workers were exposed to anhydrous ammonia, a corrosive and potentially lethal chemical commonly found in manufacturing refrigeration systems. OSHA issued seven serious citations related to the process safety management of the ammonia refrigeration systems used in Seaboard Foods pork plant's production process at its Guymon, Oklahoma facility. The facility operates two anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems, OSHA noted.
• provide written operating procedures addressing safety systems and function
• develop and implement safe work practices to control hazards during operations
• train workers involved with operating procedures involving the anhydrous ammonia process
• inspect and test process equipment to maintain its mechanical integrity
If you are a manufacturer having 10,000 pounds or more of anhydrous ammonia at an operating facility, OSHA’s process safety management regulations apply, as do EPA’s risk management rules. Failure to comply can result in potentially serious fines and penalties.
To learn more about OSHA and how its regulations make affect you, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or (712) 226-4000.