Region 3 News Release:   USDL: III-00-12-11-126-CP
Tues., Dec. 12, 2000
Contact: Kate Dugan
PHONE: (215) 861-5101

OSHA AND BRENTWOOD INDUSTRIES ENTER INTO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT Company Will Take Steps to Ensure Future Safety and Health of Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has entered into an informal settlement agreement with Brentwood Industries following an inspection of a series of explosions on June 12, 200 at their Lebanon, Pa. facility. The company produces rigid polyvinyl-chloride sheets for industrial applications from recycled PVC plastic.

OSHA initiated their inspection on June 13 after eight employees and one firefighter were injured in the blast. An expert on plastic dust explosion hazards provided OSHA with on-site technical assistance during the inspection.

Based on OSHA's inspection and the expert's report, the agency is issuing serious and unclassified citations with a penalty of $112,500. Eight of the serious violations and one of the unclassified are based on building design and operational specifications contained in the National Fire Protection Association standards. The other two unclassified violations relate to significant dust accumulations from equipment leakage and inadequate cleaning procedures and improper electrical equipment and wiring in the facility. The remaining serious violations are for a ladder deficiency and two additional electrical items.

"The company has been extremely cooperative during the inspection," said Bob Fink, area director of the Harrisburg OSHA office. "They have retained the services of several top engineering firms, including the expert who assisted us during the inspection, to design and construct a new facility that will full comply with safety and environmental standards."

The agreement, signed Dec. 11, 2000, will avoid the cost and burden of litigation and more importantly, further the efforts of all parties to promote safe work practices and procedures.

The company agrees to pay a penalty of $112,500 and has abated all of the violations cited with the exception of two items which will be completed by the end of February, 2001.

The investigation was conducted by the Harrisburg OSHA office, Progress Plaze, 39 N. Progress Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17102, telephone (717) 782-3902.

TDD: 1-800-927-9273.