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Parent Category: Safety Info Posts

Category: Emergency Response

Published: 13 November 2014

Workers cleaning a chemical spill at a manufacturer of plastic thermoformed products had not been trained in proper cleanup procedures or provided proper personal protective equipment, according to an OSHA investigation. OSHA found that workers experienced symptoms of overexposure to an isocyanates chemical used in plastics manufacturing that can cause occupational asthma and other lung problems, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Seven serious violations, carrying proposed penalties of $49,000, were cited. OSHA initiated the inspection on Sept. 5, 2014, under the National Emphasis Program for Occupational Exposure to Isocyanates*, after it received a complaint that alleged improper cleanup of a spill of approximately 100 gallons of the chemical diphenylmethane diisocyanate, a type of isocyanate. OSHA cited the company for seven serious violations for lack of a hazardous materials spill response plan and failure to train workers on how to respond to spills. Additionally, required personal protective equipment, such as gloves and respirators, was not provided. Here is a breakdown of the citations:

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