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Shop Coating Operation Draws $54K Fine

Monday, May 7, 2012

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Combustible residues, excessive exposures and flammable liquids in the coating operation have landed a Georgia metal fabricator in hot water with federal health and safety officials.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Southern Perfection Fabrication Holdings Inc., of Byron, GA, for 15 serious safety and health violations that carry a total of $54,600 in fines.

Southern Perfection Fabricators

Workers in the powder coating operation were exposed to excessive airborne particles and lacked appropriate protective equipment, OSHA said.

The issues include exposing workers to combustible residues and flammable liquids in the spraying and powder coating areas without adequate precautions to prevent fires and explosions.  Serious violations are those that put employees at risk of death or serious injury.

OSHA inspectors found the violations on a November inspection that had been triggered by a complaint.

Coating PPE, Exposures Cited

Founded in the 1980s, Southern Perfection Fabrication is a family-owned manufacturer of steel, stainless steel, aluminum and magnesium fabricated products.

The violations include failure to:

• Train workers on the use of fire extinguishers;

• Periodically inspect fire extinguishers;

• Conduct air sampling in the powder coating area, where excessive amounts of airborne particles exceeded the permissible exposure limit;

• Assess the need for personal protective equipment;

• Develop a hearing conservation program;

• Limit exposure to noise hazards;

• Provide a written respiratory protection program;

• Train on the use of a respirator;

• Provide written hazard communication and respiratory protection programs; and

• Train workers in the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, face shields, protective gloves and clothing when performing powder coating operations.

“Companies must not wait for a catastrophic event or an OSHA inspection before they act to protect their workers from serious injuries and illnesses,” said Willia Fulcher, the agency's Atlanta-East area director.

Southern Perfection Fabrication has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request a conference with OSHA, or contest the case.

The company did not respond Monday (May 7) to a request for comment.