FAA Proposes $325,000 Civil Penalty Against Chemical Company for Hazardous Materials Violations
The FAA recently proposed a $325,000 civil penalty against a chemical company for alleged violations of HAZMAT Regulations. The FAA alleges that the company shipped a hazardous material on two separate cargo flights. The material, Acrolein, can become explosive when combined with air and is classified as a toxic/poisonous material under federal law. Acrolein is prohibited from being transported on all passenger and cargo aircrafts.
The FAA discovered the alleged violation when cargo flight personnel tried to inspect a shipment that was emitting strong odors. The personnel began to experience coughing fits, extreme eye, nose, and throat irritation and were only able to complete the inspection after putting on protective suits. The inspection revealed that the shipment did not contain the required shipping papers or emergency information. The shipment was also not marked, labeled, or packaged as required under the regulations. The FAA further found that the company failed to properly train and test the employees who packaged the Acrolein.
