OSHA

US Department of Labor’s OSHA cites Georgia-based Exide Technologies for
repeated, serious violation of exposing workers to dangerous levels of lead at Frisco facility

FRISCO, Texas (August 4, 2011) – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Exide Technologies for one serious and one repeat violation at the company’s battery recycling facility on South Fifth Street in Frisco. OSHA initiated a Feb. 7 safety and health inspection after receiving a referral that alleged workers were being exposed to lead while recycling lead batteries. Proposed penalties total $77,000.

The repeat violation was cited for failing to prevent exposure to lead at concentrations greater than 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an eight-hour period, and failing to implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employees’ exposure to lead.

A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. OSHA cited the company’s Fort Smith, Ark., facility in June 2008 and its Laureldale, Pa., facility in January 2009 for similar violations with proposed penalties of $36,600 and $52,400, respectively.

Read entire OSHA news release here.

Read detailed information on the hazards of working with lead on OSHA’s website