Document kDY1mReO2qXMD2Oz3e9wjb1DB

Hayward, CA (Alameda County) Review (Cir. D. 43,161) (Cir. S. 43,456) OCT 201881 Jlllen * P. C. B list. 1888 Staff writer HAYWARD -- New complaints of possible safety violations at a San Leandro foundry surfaced Monday in Alameda.County Superi or Court. Judge Raymond Marsh signed a warrant allowing the state Depart ment of Occupational Safety and Health to inspect Precision Found ers Inc. for alleged safety hazards including exposure to toxic sub stances and unguarded machinery. Earlier this month, two men filed lawsuits against Precision Found ers, contending they were exposed to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) without their knowledge at the 414" Hester St. foundry last year. . Last August, the occupational safety agency cited the company for 21 health violations, all of which are being appealed by the firm. State inspector John Lemire said the latest complaint came Oct. 8 from a Precision employee who alleged nearly 10 safety violations at the plant, according to court affidavits. Precision Personnel Director Thomas Gutierrez said he was un aware of the complaint and de clined to make further comment. The unidentified worker con tended the company did not have proper lockouts on electrical equip ment, a hazard that could lead to accidental electrocution, according to Lemire's affidavit. The employee also told the oc cupational safety agency that prop er skin protection is not given to foundry workers exposed to toxic substances, the affidavit said. Precision executives, as a matter of policy, refuse to allow occupa tional safety agency inspections without a warrant, said state at torney Kay Kohler, who got the warrant in court Monday. An inspection is expected to fol low within the next few weeks, she said. Ms. Kohler noted that Monday's complaint is unrelated to the PCB "v lawsuits filed by former Precision worker Michael Boles, 33, of San ; Lorenzo, and current employee -r; Alton Baxley, 27, of Hayward. l"1' In separate lawsuits, the men claim they were exposed to PCB leaking from an electrical capaci tor at the plant in October 1980. " '' Boles also contends he was fired ; ' April 20 because he complained. PCB-ARCH-EXT0376196