Omaha, Neb. — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing a $148,000 fine against fertilizer producer Loveland Products Inc. in Fairbury, Neb., for 25 safety violations, 14 of which relate directly to OSHA’s standard regulating the process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals. The citation stated that the employer failed to develop procedures for emergency evacuation, including procedures to account for all employees after an evacuation; failed to maintain an employee alarm system; and failed to have an ammonia detector in the reactor area with a local alarm to provide notification to the rest of the facility. OSHA initiated its inspection of the liquid-based fertilizer producer under both the agency’s site-specific targeting program for industries with high occupational injury and illness rates, and its process safety management national emphasis program for chemical manufacturers. OSHA’s PSM standard contains specific requirements for the management of hazards associated with processes using dangerous chemicals, and establishes a comprehensive management program integrating technologies, procedures, and management practices. Of 24 serious violations, OSHA reported, those related to process safety management include incorrect and incomplete process and implementation diagrams, a deficient process hazard analysis of the system, incomplete operating procedures, an inadequate mechanical integrity program for the system, inappropriate inspections and tests of the system, and a lack of hot work permits. OSHA also found compliance audits to be insufficient, and that the employer failed to follow up on compliance audit findings. Other serious violations, which occur when there is substantial probability of death or serious harm, involve electrical hazards as well as deficiencies with walking/working surfaces, overhead storage, an emergency action plan, hazard communication, and procedures for the lockout/tagout of energy sources. One other-than-serious violation with no penalty was issued for failing to document powered industrial truck training. Loveland Products Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Omaha, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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