OSHA cites Dalton facility for exposing workers to fire hazards

Published 5:57 pm Thursday, April 25, 2019

A Dalton facility faces $107,164 in penalties after being cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration “for exposing employees to fire and burn hazards,” a press release said.

Plaze Aeroscience, a specialty chemical manufacturer operating as Plaze GA, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to either pay the penalties, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or challenge the findings. Messages left with the company’s corporate office and the Dalton plant manager were not immediately returned on Thursday.

According to the press release, “OSHA cited the company for not providing and ensuring employees used flame-retardant clothing while compounding flammable liquids and combustible dusts, and failing to provide training on specific hazards of chemicals. The agency also issued citations for the following:

“Failing to prevent combustible dusts from accumulating on work surfaces.

“Not establishing written procedures to maintain the integrity of the aerosol system.

“Failing to arrange exit routes to prevent workers from having to move toward a high-hazard area during an evacuation.

“Not conducting a compliance audit to verify procedures and practices were adequate and followed.”

“Working with chemicals and combustible dusts involves inherent dangers,” said OSHA Acting Atlanta-West Area Office Director Keith Hass. “When employers fail to recognize and eliminate hazards associated with this type of work, they place their workers at greater risk for serious or fatal injuries.”