OSHA Cites Animal Food Plant for Alleged Combustible Dust Safety Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found an animal food producer in Wisconsin exposed workers to the risks of explosions, fires, and long-term respiratory illnesses from excessive amounts of airborne dust. The findings were among two dozen safety and health violations they identified and have proposed penalties of over $160,000.

According to OSHA:

OSHA inspectors found the company’s poor housekeeping, its failure to evaluate spaces for dust hazards, and an absence of engineering controls to reduce dust, created serious combustible and airborne dust hazards. The agency also determined the company did not develop a written respiratory protection program that includes medical evaluations, fit-testing, monitoring, and training workers to recognize dust hazards.

“Airborne dust, under certain conditions, can cause catastrophic explosions and fires,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Inhalation exposure to elevated levels of dust can also lead to a number of respiratory concerns. These are all reasons why OSHA issued a revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) last year. Since then, a number of businesses have been cited for combustible dust hazards. At EMSL Analytical, we offer combustible dust laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, and air monitoring instruments. We also carry respirators, fit-testing supplies, and other personal protective equipment to help companies comply with health and safety regulations.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about combustible dust hazards that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/FI8xWuQ3ukE

To learn more about combustible dust testing, sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail