Panda Express pays fine for failing to train employees on handling hazardous materials

"Carbon dioxide is typically stored in tanks and is widely used by restaurants. California's hazardous materials law requires that employees receive training on the storage and handling of carbon dioxide. Leaks that displace oxygen can result in serious harm or even death. Restaurants are required to certify employees and file reports with local regulators confirming such training."

"We don't see a lot of these violations, so I would assume this would be a wake-up call for restaurants in general," said Richard Shank, senior principal at Technomic, a research and consulting firm for the food services industry. "Typically, beverage stations are leased from a beverage supplier and serviced by third parties, including the CO2, so this may have identified a gap in training that was unknown to Panda. "Panda's workplace culture is built on a strong training foundation," he added, "so I'm inclined to believe that this settlement possibly identifies a need to clarify roles between the beverage supplier and the restaurants."

Panda Express agreed to pay $1 million to settle claims it failed to train employees on handling carbon dioxide used for carbonated fountain beverage systems. California hazardous materials law requires employee training on CO2 storage and handling and mandates that restaurants certify employees and file reports with local regulators. Riverside County alleged Panda Express did not provide required training and failed to disclose employee training information. Carbon dioxide is stored in tanks and can displace oxygen, with leaks risking serious harm or death. An industry consultant said the settlement may reveal unclear roles between beverage suppliers and restaurants.

Read at Los Angeles Times