BOSTON (WHDH) - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Stavis Seafoods for 20 “serious violations” following the March 2016 death of an employee.
Brian Caron was killed after an ammonia leak that was caused by a burst pipe in the machine shop on March 23.
OSHA noted that deficient design and lack of proper operation and maintenance allowed Caron and other employees to the ammonia.
According to OSHA, the company failed to:
- Ensure proper containment of ammonia within the machine room in that there were large floor holes and no door to separate the machine room from a maintenance/storage room and prevent the spread of ammonia vapor.
- Test and calibrate ammonia sensors following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Establish and implement an adequate inspection schedule for pressure vessels.
- Label ammonia piping properly.
- Provide a ventilation system sufficient to prevent possible combustion or explosion of ammonia vapors resulting from an ammonia release.
OSHA also says the alarm system was not working and employees were not adequately trained in the emergency evacuation procedures.
The proposed fines following the incident total more than $170,000.
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