Abilene, Texas, Manufacturing Facility Cited for Safety, Health Hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued SPA Pipe and Supply LP in Abilene, Texas, doing business as Smith Pipe, 20 serious and two other-than-serious citations after an inspection at the company’s facility on Highway 277. Proposed penalties total $45,600.

The inspection, initiated Aug. 2, 2010, found that workers were being exposed to electrical deficiencies, possible leakage that could lead to a fire or explosion and other violations with the potential to cause injuries. Serious citations allege failure to ensure compressed oxygen and acetylene gas cylinders were stored separately, ensure overhead cranes were periodically inspected, ensure exposed live electrical wires were de-energized, and train employees on hazard communication and permit-required confined space entry procedures.

The other-than-serious citations allege failure to ensure enough toilets were available for the number of employees working at the facility and to ensure that first aid kits were adequately stocked.

Smith Pipe, an oil tank manufacturing company that employs about 180 workers at its Abilene facility, has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in El Paso or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA