Peterson Farms, Inc. - North Plant - Executive Summary

| Accident History | Chemicals | Emergency Response | Registration | Source | Executive Summary |

The North Plant at Peterson is primarily cold storage and cut up or further processing.  No cooking is done.  The refrigeration system contains 9812# off ammonia maximum and has 5 large compressors, 3 recirculators, air evaporators, and related controls and air exchange units in the freezers.  The PSM committee has prepared a PSM program with written operating procedures, lockout details, pumpdown and purge procedures, emergency shut-down procedures and a trouble shooting guide. 
 
Operators are all qualified and tested on the operating procedures before being allowed to work alone.  A spill trailer with emergency equipment is on site and contains level A suits, SCBA's, and a cascade air refilling system for the respirators.  All operators have completed OSHA's 40 hour HAZWOPER training. 
 
The worst case release would be from a liquid line or vessel rupture.  Distance to the toxic endpoint is .6 miles and winds blow mostly toward the northeast.  The most likely release would be from a rel 
ief valve and the ammonia is not expected to get off-site.  Medical facilities will be established in the Peterson Gym in event of a worst case release.
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