Airgas fined $75,600 by OSHA

(Tulsa-AP) -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing fines for a Tulsa propane distributor because of an explosion and fire in August.<br><br>OSHA is proposing penalties of $75,600

Tuesday, October 28th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing fines for a Tulsa propane distributor because of an explosion and fire in August.

OSHA is proposing penalties of $75,600 dollars against Airgas Mid-South for failing to provide a safe working environment.

Airgas President Mike Duvall says the company is still investigating the fire and doesn't agree with the citations.

Airgas has 15 working days from the time it receives the citations to comply, request a conference with OSHA, or dispute the citations and penalties.

Tulsa fire investigators say the fire began when propylene gas kept in cylinders ignited after escaping through safety valves. Investigators have not determined what caused the gas to ignite.

The fire and explosions destroyed three homes and damaged nearby business, but no one was injured.