United States. The Wichita (Washington) area office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha) announced that it has cited Reser Fine Foods' food processing plant, of Topeka, Kansas, for thirteen serious safety and health violations. Osha launched an investigation into the company after receiving a complaint about an ammonia refrigerant leak.
Ammonia is typically used in the refrigeration process in food production facilities. Inspectors found that about eight pounds of ammonia were released on March 3, 2015, because of a leak from the compressor seal at the facility. Emergency evacuation procedures began. An employee was taken to a local medical center for observation, but was able to return to work that same day.
Eight of the serious violations involve Osha process safety procedures that contain requirements for managing the risks associated with processes using highly hazardous chemicals. These include lack of training, failure to conduct periodic assessments of update processes and procedures, and poor record keeping. Osha also found that the company does not properly mark emergency exit doors and does not adequately protect workers to operate machinery parts during service and maintenance.
"Ammonia can cause immediate damage to the skin, eyes and lungs," said Judy Freeman, Osha's area director in Wichita. "Refrigeration is essential in the food industry, but the dangers of ammonia in the workplace are fully preventable if employers follow proper procedures."
Osha proposed penalties of $71,700.
