OSHA has cited pyrotechnics manufacturer and fireworks display firm Garden State Fireworks for 12 safety violations, after an inspection in May under its Process Safety Management Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program

Proposed fines total $48,300.

Eleven serious violations included the employer's failure to:

• Compile process safety information on the dangers of highly hazardous chemicals, technology and equipment.
• Keep records showing employee training.
• Provide effective training to employees required to use respirators and chemicals.
• Establish and implement written procedures to maintain the integrity of process equipment.
• Provide a written respiratory program.
• Provide a medical evaluation for workers required to use respirators.
• Develop and implement a written hazard communication program, plan of action regarding the implementation of employee participation, and operating procedures for conducting activities safely in each covered process.
• Perform an initial process hazard analysis and perform inspections and tests on process equipment to maintain mechanical integrity.
• Properly guard a radial saw.
• Develop an emergency plan for the plant and ensure exits discharged directly outside or to a street.
• Fit test workers required to use a tight-fitting facepiece respirator.

"Ensuring that proper safety precautions are in place is crucial for workers who handle pyrotechnics," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Parsippany Area Office.

One other-than-serious violation, which carried no penalty, was for failure to provide Appendix D training to workers wearing respirators on a voluntary basis.

OSHA's pyrotechnics directive, known as the Compliance Policy for Manufacture, Storage, Sale, Handling, Use and Display of Pyrotechnics, provides inspection guidance and OSHA requirements as they apply to pyrotechnics facilities and operations. The directive is available at http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02-01-053.pdf*.