Spokane metal recycling firm fined $6,600 for deadly chlorine leak

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): The Department of Labor and Industries has cited Pacific Steel and Recycling in Spokane more than $6,600 on Wednesday for a deadly gas leak that had led to death of one of its employees in 2015.

The incident took place on August 13^th, 2015 at around 10 AM. A barrel containing chlorine gas got accidentally punctured and started leaking gas. Ten employees who were exposed to the leaked gas were rushed to the hospital. Out of this, one employee succumbed to death on August 17^th. According to investigations, the recycling plant was found to have violated safety policies by accepting the tank. The plant facility was not supposed to accept any form of pressurized gas cylinders or sealed containers.

The first violation stated that Pacific Steel and Recycling did not establish, supervise, and enforce their accident prevention program in an effective manner. The written policies by the company prohibits accepting pressurized gas cylinders or sealed containers in any form and tanks or drums without empty tank certificate. The company violated this policy by accepting the tank and placing it on to the company’s metal crusher.

According to the second violation, the employer failed to develop, supervise, implement, and enforce safety and health training programs that are effective in practice. Employees were not provided with adequate instruction to deal with unknown large containers.

Pacific Steel and Recycling has 15 business days to file an appeal or pay the $6,600 fines.