IOLA, Kan. (AP) — Federal officials are seeking $193,600 in penalties from Russell Stover Candies after a hazardous chemical was released at an eastern Kansas plant.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also announced Thursday that it was placing the candy maker in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. The company’s Iola plant closed for more than two hours in September when an air-conditioning pipe broke and released about 22 pounds of anhydrous ammonia into the air. The gas is highly irritating and can burn the eyes, nose and throat in even small amounts.

OSHA official Judy Freeman says failing to properly control highly hazardous chemicals creates the potential for an accidental release that “could result in a tragedy.”

A Russell Stover spokesman didn’t immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment