Region 6 News Release:   OSHA-01-88
Date: July 31, 2001
Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd
Phone: (214) 767-4776, Ext. 222 or 221

HAMPSHIRE CHEMICAL CORP., IN DEER PARK, TEXAS, AGREES TO PAY $103,500 FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH VIOLATIONS

DALLAS - Hampshire Chemical Corp., in Deer Park, Texas, has greed to pay $103,500 in fines and abate violations found during an Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection.

Hampshire Chemical Corp. employs 69 workers in its Deer Park plant and produces glycine (used in various products such as pet food and deodorant) and daxad (a dispersant used in concrete). Other chemicals used at the plant include hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde and anhydrous ammonia.

OSHA discovered the alleged violations during an inspection that began March 9, 2001. Some of the violations found include failing to adequately resolve recommendations of the company's process hazard analysis; failing to ensure that written operating procedures reflected the actual operating practices, and adequate refresher training was not provided for the operators of its glycine unit.

"The company will also assign an environmental health and safety person to assure strict adherence to company standards and procedures," in addition to agreeing to pay the penalties assessed, said Raymond L. Skinner, area director, OSHA Houston South.

Employers or workers who have questions concerning safety and health may contact the OSHA Houston South area office at (281) 286-0583, or OSHA's toll-free hotline to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers. The number is 1-800-321-6742.