OSHA has cited Elan Chemical Company Inc. of Newark, New Jersey for 17 serious safety and health violations.

The agency initiated an inspection on Aug. 4, 2015, under its national emphasis program focused on chemical manufacturers. Inspectors found deficiencies in the employer's equipment process safety information, process hazard analysis, written operating procedures, contractor safety, equipment inspection and design along with management of process changes, resulting in the citations.

Proposed penalties: $72,100

"The violations identified in this inspection create a hazardous environment for the plant's workers," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Parsippany Area Office. "This facility uses more than 10,000 pounds of ethyl chloride, a highly-flammable liquefied gas. The company's failure to comply with OSHA's Process Safety Management standard could result in a chemical release, as well as a serious fire or explosion."

View the citations: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/ElanChemical1082421.pdf*