OSHA cites Coweta manufacturer

From STAFF REPORTS news@newnan.com Coweta business NuTech Powder Coaters, located in the Arnco community on the county's west side, has been fined by the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration for safety violations. The proposed fine is $55,200, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Labor.
OSHA began an inspection of the company in August, after receiving a referral that alleged safety hazards. The inspectors found 18 serious violations and two "other than serious violations" at the company, which does powder coating of aluminum and steel architectural products. The company has approximately eight employees, according to Michael D'Aquino in the public affairs office of the U.S. Department of Labor. Serious violations include: failing to ensure that employees used eye, face, and hand protection while working with cleaners and products containing phosphoric acid, calcium carbonate, and carbon black; not training workers in the use of proper personal protective equipment; not providing an eyewash/shower unit for workers exposed to corrosive materials; failing to develop and implement a confined space program; not posting permit-required confined space signage on equipment such as dryers, ovens and wash tanks where employees could be exposed to oxygen-deficient atmospheres; allowing power coating materials to accumulate on the floor and equipment due to poor housekeeping, and exposing workers to fall, electrical, and other combustible dust hazards. OSHA defines a "serious violation" as one where there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The "other than serious violations" involved failing to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program for employees required to wear half and full face respirators while performing powder coating operations. OSHA defines an other than serious violation as one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm. "Fire and explosion dangers associated with combustible dust do not exist solely at large establishments," said Andre Richards, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area office. "Companies of all sizes must take their responsibilities seriously when it comes to workers' safety and health, and implement controls that ensure all employees are protected from hazards." NuTech Powder Coaters has 15 business days from the receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. According to the company's website, NuTech is closed on Fridays.

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