Florida aluminium manufacturer fined for combustible dust violations
19 March 2012
Fritz Aluminum Services Inc. has been cited by OSHA with 37 violations for exposing workers to a variety of safety and health hazards, including combustible dust accumulations, at the company's facility in Eustis, Florida. OSHA opened an inspection in September after receiving a complaint, and proposed penalties total $139,800.
Serious violations included failing to ensure workers were wearing eye and face protection when exposed to chemicals; provide written respiratory protection program for employees required to wear respirators; provide medical evaluations to determine the ability of employees to wear respirators; install a carbon monoxide alarm; train workers on the hazards associated with silica dust, powder coating dust, and acids; develop a hazard communication program; provide sprinklers or fire protection in the powder coating booth area; and protect workers from amputation hazards by guarding machines.
Fritz Aluminum was also cited for the above-ground exposure of PVC piping used to transport compressed air at 130 pounds per square inch and for allowing combustible dust to accumulate on electrical equipment.
Due to the repeat violations and the nature of the hazards, OSHA has placed Fritz Aluminum Services in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law.
Fritz Aluminum Services fabricates aluminum fencing and other miscellaneous equipment.
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