You know OSHA will send inspectors to a facility when there is a fatality or multiple serious injuries. But chemicals leaks will also bring inspectors calling.
Metalor Technologies faces $46,500 in fines relating to a chlorine leak at the plant on Nov. 7, 2008.
The leak forced more than 200 people to evacuate. Officials said two employees were changing a one-ton chlorine bottle when a hose fractured and released chlorine into the air. The two employees weren’t injured because they were wearing protective gear.
OSHA has cited the company for 10 serious violations involving deficiencies in the plant’s Process Safety Management program, including failure to:
- compile information on the chemicals, technology and equipment used in the purifying process
- perform an initial process hazard analysis
- develop and implement written procedures covering the process
- audit the process at least once every three years, and
- obtain and evaluate the safety and health programs of outside contractors working in the plant.
The company has 15 days to decide whether to contest the fines.