Chemical cleanup company fined nearly $80K for safety hazards

CHANNAHON — A chemical tank cleaning service has been fined nearly $80,0000 for allegedly exposing workers to confined space hazards at a southwest suburban facility for the third time in the last two years.

Dedicated TCS LLC has been cited for seven repeat and two serious violations at its Channahon facility, according to a statement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The proposed penalties total $79,464.

During a July 28, 2014 inspection, investigators found that the company’s gas meters were not in working condition, and no rescue devices or appropriate lighting for confined space were provided, according to the federal agency.

The company also failed to train workers about the hazards they faced and how to use protective equipment, according to the statement.

The company was cited for the same violations at the Channahon facility in September 2012 and its Lansing facility in November 2012, according to the statement.

“Once again, Dedicated TCS has failed to protect its workers and expects them to work with hazardous materials such as hydroxide and nitrogen chemical residue in dangerous spaces without safety equipment,” OSHA’s area director Kathy Webb said in the statement.

“The company’s failure to safeguard its employees is a consistent and unacceptable habit. It must stop now,” she added.