OSHA Cites Nevada Museum After Tornado Demonstration Leads to Fire

A Reno, Nevada, science museum has been issued two citations after a tornado demonstration last month led to a flash fire that injured 13 people.

Spokeswoman Teri Williams of the Nevada Occupational Health and Safety Administration says each of the citations issued to the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum carries a penalty of $1,050.

Reno fire officials said a three- to five-second blaze erupted Sept. 3 after an employee poured alcohol on a cotton ball that had been dusted with boric acid and partially ignited.

Nine people were treated at Renown Regional Medical Center. All were released within 24 hours.

OSHA says the museum didn’t assess personal protective equipment for employees, and didn’t train employees on using hazardous chemicals.

The museum didn’t immediately comment on the citations Monday.