A Commerce City industrial cleaning company has been fined $39,000 for OSHA violations, including an April 22 accident that killed a worker.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Tactical Cleaning Co. for 12 violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, including one related to the fatal April 22 flash-fire. Under the act, employers are responsible for maintaining a safe workplace for their employees.
According to the OSHA report, a Tactical Cleaning worker was cleaning the interior of a train tanker car that had been used to transport gasoline. A portable halogen lamp ignited vapors in the car and the man sustained second- and third-degree burns to 85 percent of his body. He later died.
According to OSHA, the man was wearing ordinary clothing over his flame-resistant work clothing, which kept the protective garments from working properly.
“The dangers of entering confined spaces that contain flammable vapors are well-known to this industry,” said Greg Baxter, OSHA’s regional administrator in Denver. “For the safety of all their workers, employers must be vigilant when workers enter confined spaces, and take effective and specific protective action.”
OSHA Regional Director for Public Affairs Rich Kulczewski said the fire prompted an investigation that revealed 11 other violations that occured between April and July.
Tactical Cleaning Co. also operates in Oklahoma, Nebraska, Montana, and Louisiana and provides cleaning services for tanker trucks, rail cars, and shipping containers.
Management at the Commerce City plant declined to comment on the investigation or fines.
Kyle Glazier: kglazier@denverpost.com 303-954-1638
