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Who is Affected?
The emphasis program targets fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate and agricultural anhydrous ammonium. Both create a significant hazard of fire and explosion and are toxic to those who handle them. Companies who store, mix, blend, and distribute these products will be targeted in this program.
Ammonium nitrate storage issues came into prominence with the 2013 West Fertilizer facility explosion. This regional emphasis program was a recommendation of the Chemical Safety Board’s report following the incident.
Which States are Included?
The regional emphasis includes particular states from OSHA Region VI and OSHA Region VII. These include Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana from Region VI and Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska from Region VII.
What is the Enforcement Date?
Affected companies will have 90 days from October 1st to get their compliance activities in order before OSHA starts issuing penalties, roughly until the end of the year. Storage of ammonium nitrate falls under 29 CFR 1910.109(i), and storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia falls under 29 CFR 1910.111. There are other OSHA regulations and requirements which apply to the handling of these chemicals.
What’s Next?
If your company will be affected by this OSHA ammonium regional emphasis program, iSi can help you determine what you need to do to comply and be ready for any upcoming inspection. If you don’t know if you are affected or not, we can help you make that determination. Contact us today for pricing, or fill out our online form!