2 injuries may lead to $60,000 in fines

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued 14 violations to Electronic Recycling and Trading Co. after two workers were injured from a combustible dust explosion at the company’s work site in Austin.

According to a news release on Monday, the proposed penalties total $60,060.

“Employers must ensure their workplaces are evaluated for hazards and take corrective action before a dangerous incident such as this occurs,” said Casey Perkins, OSHA’s area director in Austin. “Combustible dust hazards can be controlled by implementing multiple safeguards, such as installing proper exhaust ventilation systems.”

The news release said, on Jan. 10 workers were sorting materials on the output conveyor when combustible dust generated by a nearby ring-mill pulverizing machine caused an explosion that sent two workers to the hospital with severe burns.

The safety inspection violations include:

• Failure to provide approved and adequate dust collection and fire suppression systems for the ring mill
• Failure to provide training and certification of forklift operators
• Failure to have specific lockout/tagout and confined space entry procedures
• Failure to provide adequate housekeeping for the control of combustible dust accumulations.

Health violations include:

•      Failure to implement a hearing conservation program, such as audiometric testing
• Failure to ensure all work surfaces were free of lead deposits
• Failure to implement a respiratory protection program.

   Electronic Recycling and Trading has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference with Occupational Safety and Health’s Austin Area Office, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, department officials said.