OSHA said an employee complaint led to an investigation in which investigators found employees of the global chemical manufacturer exposed to hazards such as corrosive materials and a leaking, 30,000-gallon hot water tank.
OSHA also cited the company for:
- Failing to inspect lock out/tag out procedures.
- Not inspecting safety relief valves.
- Allowing the use of deteriorated stair rails.
- Lacking a hazard assessment for confined space entry.
- The agency also identified two other violations issued for not illuminating exit signs and not having a protective cover on a junction box to prevent electric shock.
Proposed penalties total $92,642.
PPG has until Oct. 26 to contest the citations and must submit proof that it has fixed each issue by Oct. 28.
PPG's Westlake facility treats silicas — a hard mineral found in rock — for use in industrial and consumer applications, such as tire manufacturing and footwear.
PPG Industries is a global manufacturer of paint and coating products. based in Pittsburgh, it has approximately 47,000 employees worldwide of which 18,500 work in North America. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Source: OSHA
