CHARLES CITY -- The Cambrex plant in Charles City is facing a possible $15,375 fine from the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Bureau following an inspection.

The review stemmed from an explosion and fire that seriously injured an employee. Five other people were also treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire was Oct. 26 and began in the pharmaceutical manufacturer's drying department. The safety bureau issued a citation and notification of penalty Feb. 7 against the company, claiming Cambrex committed four serious violations:

The equipment designated by the employer did not appropriately protect against the fire and explosion hazards posed by the product being processed. The proposed penalty is a $4,500 fine.

Employees involved in the emergency response and cleanup had not been trained to the level of a first responder. The employees were also instructed to pick up contaminated debris. The proposed penalty is a $4,500 fine.

Employees involved in the emergency response and containment of the hazardous substance had not been trained to the level of a hazardous materials technician. The employees were instructed to re-enter the building to search for victims and secure any processes still running. The proposed penalty is a $4,500 fine.

The company did not inform representatives of outside employers of chemical hazards and precautionary measures necessary to safely enter the areas affected by the explosion, which spread a fine chemical dust containing arsenic. The proposed penalty is a $1,875 fine.

Employee Rick Sinnwell was severely burned over 70 to 80 percent of his body in the fire.

Companies that receive citations from the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Bureau can contest the issue by informing the Iowa Division of Labor within 15 days after receiving notice.

The plant has about 200 employees and makes chemicals for use in animal feed additives, human pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, according to the company's Web site.

Joe Nettleton, vice president of operations and site manager at the plant, did not comment Thursday.

Contact Mary Pieper

at mary.pieper@globegazette.com.