The operators of a global ink and coatings manufacturing company could have prevented an employee from suffering burn injuries from a flash fire that erupted in an industrial mixing vessel containing flammable liquids and vapors by following federal regulations for handling of highly hazardous chemicals. An OSHA investigation determined a flash fire sparked in the mixing vessel as the employee manually added combustible powder ingredients. Inspectors found the flames exited the vessel’s charging port and caused the employee to sustain first and second-degree burns in January 2024.
OSHA investigators cited the facility for multiple violations of Process Safety Management requirements related to the safe handling of highly hazardous chemicals, including flammable liquids. They also found the company failed to provide employees with effective training on the hazards of flammable liquids and combustible dust and exposed workers to fall hazards.