Franklin Fibre Fined for Exposing Workers to Combustible Dust

OSHA cited the company and has assessd 10 serious violations.

  • Jul 23, 2015

An OSHA investigation of Franklin Fibre-Lamitex Corp., doing business as Franklin Fibre, found that the precision parts manufacturer allowed combustible dust to accumulate in the work area because the company failed to operate and maintain a properly functioning dust collection system, according to OSHA. The company is located at 903 East 13th St. in Wilmington, Del.

Employees working in areas with a potential for combustible dust fire were also not provided with FR clothing. Because of these failures, OSHA cited the company for hazardous electrical conditions and exposing workers to amputation hazards due to improper machine guarding. Proposed penalties total $86,800.

“"People hear the word 'dust' and they don't think 'deadly' – but under the right circumstances, a combustible dust explosion can level a building. The machines at this facility generated the kind of dust that can cause a fatal, destructive explosion," said Erin G. Patterson, director of OSHA's Wilmington Area Office. "It's critical that Franklin Fibre remove this hazard before a tragic incident occurs."

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