OSHA fines North Attleboro plant

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined a North Attleboro metals refining plant following an inspection of the facility prompted by a Nov. 2008 chlorine gas leak.

OSHA fined Metalor Technologies $46,500 for "10 alleged serious violations of safety standards," according to a statement the agency released Tuesday.  OSHA said it found deficiencies in Metalor's use of chlorine gas to purify precious metals.

"Specifically, the company had not compiled information on the chemicals, technology, and equipment used in the purifying process," according to OSHA's statement.

The agency said it also found deficiencies in the company's policies for handling equipment using large amounts of hazardous chemicals.  OSHA said Metalor has 15 business days to meet with OSHA or contest the citations.

A chlorine leak at the plant on Nov. 7, 2008 forced more than 200 people to evacuate.  Emergency officials who responded said two workers were in the process of changing a one ton chlorine bottle when a hose fractured and released chlorine into the air.

The two workers were not injured because they were wearing protective gear.