Portland, Maine-U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspectors have assessed a $9,000 penalty against Americold Logistics in connection with a leak of about 2,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia Jan. 22 that caused the evacuation of the plant and the adjacent neighborhood. OSHA reported that the leak occurred when a refrigeration unit fell from the ceiling. The unit was not in use, but did have a large buildup of ice on its coils. “One feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard would be to cut free and cap unused equipment per American Refrigeration’s May 26, 2009 mechanical inspection recommendations and to follow HAR Bulletin 109 dated October 1997 of not having an excessive or abnormal amount of ice buildup on equipment,” the OSHA citation read. OSHA also issued two other citations, saying the company failed to have written certification that it had assessed workplace hazards to determine whether protective equipment is required. The company also lacked written certification to show that operators of a powered industrial vehicle had been trained and evaluated on its use. The freezer held millions of pounds of food belonging to 29 companies.
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