OSHA Issues 24 Serious Violations for Tecnofil Chenango SAC after Explosion

The Syracuse Area Office of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has completed an inspection of Tecnofil Chenango SAC prompted by a Feb. 2 explosion at the copper wire manufacturer’s plant in Sherburne.

An employee was injured when operating the water-jacketed cooler, used to lower the temperature of molten copper before it gets drawn into wire. It overheated and exploded. The explosion sprayed molten copper on the employee, causing severe burns. OSHA’s inspection found that the cooler lacked a pressure-relief valve.

Other hazardous conditions involved failing to inspect overhead lift devices, establish hazardous energy controls, provide an eyewash station, train employees on chemical hazards, maintain walking surfaces in good repair and adequately guard moving machine parts.

As a result of these conditions, OSHA issued Tecnofil Chenango SAC citations for 24 serious violations of workplace safety standards. OSHA has reached a settlement agreement with Tecnofil Chenango SAC in which the company has agreed to correct all hazards, pay $32,760 in fines and take additional steps to improve safety.