October 31, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Alabama Tank Cleaning Company
For Confined Space, Fire, and Explosion Hazards

CHUNCHULA, AL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited American Remediation and Environmental Inc. for confined space, fire, and explosion hazards. The Chunchula, Alabama, tank cleaning company faces $171,281 in penalties.

OSHA inspectors determined that the company allowed employees to enter a tank without testing for atmospheric hazards. The company was cited for allowing employees to use a non-explosion proof vacuum in a tank that transported a highly hazardous chemical; failing to provide appropriate personal protective clothing; authorizing employees to enter a permit-required confined space without a retrieval system; and failing to ensure confined space testing and monitoring equipment was properly maintained.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

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Media Contacts:

Michael D'Aquino, 678-237-0630, daquino.michael@dol.gov
Eric Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov

Release Number: 18-1650-ATL (302)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).