$56K Fine, 10 Violations for Parsippany Plant After Hazardous Chlorine Leak

A chlorine leak that sickened nine workers at a Parsippany plant in 2014 has resulted in a hefty fine and major violations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

In a statement released by OSHA, “workers were unprepared to respond to an accidental release of dangerous chlorine gas, leading to the evacuation and emergency medical treatment for several employees at Zimmer TMT’s plant in Parsippany.”

Police responded to the Pomeroy Road plant on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10:46 a.m. for a report of a gas leak. The building was evacuated and a total of nine employees needed medical attention.

See: 9 Fall Ill From Chlorine Gas Leak at Parsippany Facility, Cops Say

An investigation found a screw became loose on a 125-pound chlorine canister while employees were transporting the apparatus.

“Lacking training in how to respond, no emergency response plan in place and inadequate respiratory protection, the workers were sickened as they tried to contain the leak,” OSHA said.

Four of the nine employees were transported to the hospital for observation.

“Zimmer TMT is in the business of healthcare and should be aware of the potential health and safety hazards to which its employees could be exposed,” said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA’s Parsippany Area Office in a statement. “Chlorine gas is poisonous and can cause death. Employers using highly hazardous chemicals absolutely must be prepared for emergencies, and this company clearly was not.”

OSHA lodged a $56,000 fine against Zimmer TMT as well as 10 violations, and has 15 days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply.

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