Investigation into Chemical Spill Produces Multiple Citations

By Daniel Hawn

Published on September 04, 2006

The spill occurred in March at Texas Molecular, a South Side chemical plant. Joel Camponovo, 51, and Wendell Brown, 39, died when a tank overflowed, exposing the two workers to a lethal combination of chemicals. Following the accident, OSHA conducted an investigation spanning nearly five months and concluded that the spill was preventable.

The first citation issued was for allowing the plant’s workers to be exposed to excessive amounts of hydrogen sulfide gases. OSHA representatives said workers were exposed to the gas while preparing materials designed to be injected into wells.

Another citation was issued in response to the plant’s physical conditions and workplace practices. Investigators discovered that workers were not adequately protected when they were exposed to benzene and hydrogen sulfide.

The third citation was for failing to have a written respirator program. On the day that the chemical spill occurred, a worker was forced to wear a tight-fitting respirator while gathering hazardous samples.

An attorney for Texas Molecular said the company is conducting an ongoing investigation into the spill and feels that OSHA’s citations are unjustified.

Texas Molecular can appeal the citations; however, if the company decides to accept them, it will have to implement the necessary changes by the end of the month.

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