u/mithrilheart121

Refused to do an unsafe task with some nasty VOCs.

Edit: Here is some additional context and timeline of event

January 27, 2026
A new foot sole rework process was introduced involving repeated use of VOCs (MEK, alcohol, solvent-based primers, and adhesives).

February 10, 2026
Employees, including myself, raised concerns regarding chemical exposure and PPE requirements. I specifically raised concerns about MEK exposure and glove permeability.

February 13, 2026
Formal SOP documentation was issued requiring the use of a fume hood for this process.

March 1, 2026 – Initial Hazard Event
I reported a filter saturation alarm on the fume hood and strong chemical odors outside the hood, indicating potential ventilation failure. Work was briefly paused, then resumed the same day.

March 3, 2026
Management confirmed the hood filters were expired and required respirator use. Later that same day, filters were replaced and work resumed prior to full recertification.

March 4, 2026
The hood was reportedly recertified and respirator requirements were removed.

March 13, 2026 – Repeated Alarm Event
The filter saturation alarm triggered again. The alarm was silenced, and I was informed the hood was safe to use despite the alarm condition.

March–April 2026 (Ongoing)
Alarm conditions continued intermittently
Alarms were routinely silenced while work continued
Safety guidance (PPE and alarm response) was inconsistent
During this period, employees were allowed to continue working under alarm conditions that were later treated as requiring work stoppage, meaning the alarm did not function as an effective safety control.

Technical Concern (Ventilation System)
The fume hood is a recirculating system that does not exhaust externally. It relies on carbon filters and returns air to the workspace, which is not independently ventilated.
Manufacturer data indicates ASTM-001 carbon filters have ~10% w/w retention (~1 kg MEK) at ~50% PEL/TLV breakthrough. This corresponds to approximately 1.2–1.3 liters per filter, or ~2.4–2.6 liters total for two filters under ideal conditions. Under real conditions (humidity, mixed solvents), effective capacity is lower, meaning breakthrough can occur prior to full saturation.

April 8, 2026 – Refusal of Unsafe Work
I was directly assigned to perform the rework process. Based on prior alarm events, ventilation concerns, and exposure risk, I declined the assignment as unsafe.

Post-April 8, 2026 – Disciplinary Action
Shortly after refusing the assignment, I received a Final Written Warning. I had no prior written disciplinary history.

OSHA Complaints Filed
March 28, 2026 – Safety and Health Complaint
April 24, 2026 – Whistleblower/Retaliation Complaint