Federal officials have cited a Chambersburg soap and detergent manufacturer, AFCO, for a chemical gas release that occurred on July 11, 2024. The incident exposed employees to high levels of nitrogen dioxide, sending twelve workers to the hospital. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined AFCO, a subsidiary of Zep Inc., $161,310 for the violations.
OSHA's investigation revealed that AFCO failed to assess the impact of the nitrogen dioxide release and did not promptly evacuate employees. Inspectors found that the gas levels exceeded the chemical's ceiling limit, and two of the hospitalized workers required further medical attention. Additionally, AFCO lacked an emergency response plan and did not meet federal standards for respiratory protection and hazard communication.
OSHA cited AFCO for one repeat violation, nine serious violations, and two other-than-serious violations. Kevin T. Chambers, OSHA Area Director in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, stated, "AFCO's lack of urgency in addressing the hazardous conditions put employees at serious risk."
The company has 15 business days from receiving the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. For more information, visit OSHA's official website.
Links
https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/philadelphia/20250114-0https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/osha-cites-pennsylvania-soap-maker-for-chemical-gas-release