OSHA Cites Soap Manufacturer for Putting Workers at Risk After Hazardous Gas Release
A hazardous gas release at soap manufacturer AFCO hospitalized 12 workers, leading to OSHA citations and over $161,310 in penalties.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jan 16, 2025
A Chambersburg, Pennsylvania-based soap and detergent manufacturer is facing $161,310 in penalties after an OSHA investigation revealed safety failures surrounding a hazardous chemical release in July 2024.
According to a recent release, the agency determined that AFCO, a manufacturing subsidiary of Atlanta-based Zep Inc., violated multiple safety protocols after a nitrogen dioxide gas release hospitalized 12 employees. Two workers required extended medical care. The incident, triggered by a chemical reaction during processing, prompted OSHA's inspection after a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency report.
Investigators found that AFCO did not immediately assess the impact of the gas release or evacuate workers swiftly, exposing employees to dangerous nitrogen dioxide levels. OSHA's inspection uncovered lapses, such as the absence of an emergency response plan and inadequate respiratory protection and hazard communication programs. AFCO was cited for one repeat violation, nine serious and two other-than-serious violations.
"AFCO's lack of urgency in addressing the hazardous conditions put employees at serious risk," OSHA Area Director Kevin T. Chambers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, said in a statement. "Employers have a legal responsibility to identify workplace hazards and take immediate action to protect their employees from harm."
This is not the first time Zep Inc. has faced scrutiny over chemical safety. Since 2022, OSHA has cited the company for four serious violations at its Emerson, Georgia, facility. Zep Inc. has 15 business days to respond to the citations by complying, requesting an informal conference or contesting the findings.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.