Wichita-OSHA has cited Hi Plains Feed LLC of Garden City, Kan., for what the agency terms serious violations of process safety management for hazards found with its anhydrous ammonia system. The proposed penalties total $48,500. In an investigation initiated in February under its site-specific targeting program, OSHA found a lack of employee participation in and training of system operators; failure to compile process safety information and to conduct process hazard analyses; lack of written operating procedures for the ammonia process; failure to evaluate contractor safety performance and to conduct a pre-startup review after a significant facility modification; failure to manage changes and mechanical integrity of process equipment; failure to perform anhydrous ammonia release incident investigations; and failure to have an adequate facility emergency plan and to have compliance certification of the program. Hi Plains Manager Ted Jackson responded that some violations occurred because the company was unaware OSHA had two sets of rules on anhydrous ammonia – one for manufacturers, the other for farm use. Jackson says the company has started to correct the violations under an OSHA plan that would substantially reduce the fines. Hi Plains Feed has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Wichita, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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