FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
IVEX Protective Packaging issued 21 safety citations following OSHA
investigation into January explosion at Sidney, Ohio, manufacturing plant
SIDNEY, Ohio – IVEX Protective Packaging Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration with 21 safety violations carrying fines of $128,700. OSHA's January inspection followed an explosion that resulted in the injury of three workers and significant property damage at the Sidney polyethylene foam product manufacturing facility.
The explosion occurred when isobutane gas entered exhaust ductwork associated with the foam extrusion manufacturing process, and it was ignited by the regenerative thermal oxidizer. When OSHA inspected the facility, it found multiple violations of OSHA's standards for process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals.
"By disregarding OSHA's standards for developing safety procedures and training workers on the consequence of a lack of engineering controls or deviation from operating limits, this employer endangered its workers," said Kim Nelson, OSHA's area director in Toledo. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially those exposed to hazardous materials, and educating employers about safety and health regulations."
Seventeen serious violations related to Process Safety Management include failing to address fire and explosion hazards within ventilation ducting, process equipment and pressure vessels through accurate process safety information, This includes documentation showing that all covered equipment complies with generally accepted engineering practices and has a completed process hazard analysis. The company also failed to have detailed operating procedures, provide operator and maintenance technician training and develop an inspection and testing program.
The company's four additional serious violations include a lack of machine guarding, failing to document specific hazardous energy control procedures, not applying lockout devices to machinery during servicing, failing to shut down machinery prior to servicing and not providing flame-retardant clothing for workers exposed to fire/explosion hazards. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
