Spirit AeroSystems facing federal penalties regarding painting

Aircraft parts maker Spirit AeroSystems faces just over $193,000 in penalties after government officials alleged that the Wichita company exposed some employees to a known carcinogen.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Spirit AeroSystems for allegedly exposing employees to hexavalent chromium during aircraft painting. The agency found six violations, which include allegations that Spirit failed to monitor levels of the cancer-causing substance after a previous violation.

OSHA also alleged that painters were exposed to up to 44 times the permissible exposure level of airborne chromium concentration, and that facial hair on some employees prevented their respirators from sealing.

Spirit has 15 business days to contest the findings.

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