OSHA has cited Southern Perfection Fabrication Holdings Inc. with 15 serious safety and health violations, including exposing workers to combustible residues and flammable liquids in the spraying and power coating areas without adequate precautions to prevent fires and explosions. An inspection of the Byron metal fabrication shop was initiated in November 2011 based on a complaint. Proposed penalties total $54,600.

The violations include, among others, failing to train workers on the use of fire extinguishers; periodically inspect fire extinguishers; conduct air sampling in the powder coating area where excessive amounts of airborne particles exceeded the permissible exposure limit; assess the need for personal protective equipment; develop a hearing conservation program; limit exposure to noise hazards; provide a written respiratory protection program; train on the use of a respirator; provide written hazard communication and respiratory protection programs and train workers in the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, face shields, protective gloves and clothing when performing powder coating operations.

"Companies must not wait for a catastrophic event or an OSHA inspection before they act to protect their workers from serious injuries and illnesses," said William Fulcher, the agency's Atlanta-East area director.

Southern Perfection Fabrication Holdings Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.