EHS Today
  • Magazine Subscription
  • ENewsletters
  • EHS Education
  • Safety Leadership Conference
  • America's Safest Companies
    • Search
  • EHS Today Intelligence
  • Safety
  • Health
  • Environment
  • Standards
  • Safety Technology
  • Training & Engagement
  • Leadership
  • Topics
    EHS IntelligenceEnvironmentHealthSafetyLeadershipStandardsConstructionPPESafety TechnologyTraining & EngagementEmergency ManagementCOVID-19 CrisisIndustrial Hygiene
    Resources
    Member BenefitsSafety Leadership ConferenceEHS EducationAmerica's Safest Companies AwardsWebinarsWhite PapersWorkplace Safety AcademyMagazine SubscriptioneNewsletter SubscriptionLatest HeadlinesContact UsAdvertisePress ReleasesPrivacy & Cookie PolicyTerms of Service
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/EHS-Today/66542218626?ref=ts
    https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4355311
    https://twitter.com/EHSToday
    Ehstoday 735 Csb
    1. Emergency Management

    CSB: Dust Control, Housekeeping Failures Led to Fatal Hoeganaes Explosions

    Jan. 10, 2012
    On Jan. 5, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a report on the three deadly fires and explosions that occurred at a Hoeganaes Corp. plant in Gallatin, Tenn., in 2011. The report asserts that the accumulation of fine iron powder in the facility led to the explosions, and that Hoeganaes did not take necessary action to prevent these fatal events. CSB also used its report to highlight the need for an OSHA standard on combustible dust.
    Laura Walter

    Five workers died and three were injured in three separate incidents at Hoeganaes Corp.'s Gallatin powdered metals plant in 2011. When fine particles of iron dust ignited on Jan. 31, two workers were burned and later died from their injuries. On March 29, a similar flash fire burned another employee. Finally, on May 27, a hydrogen explosion at the plant shook loose iron dust accumulations, which ignited and rained down on workers. The explosion and ensuing fire killed three employees and injured two others.

    Ehstoday Com Fire Emergencyresponse News Csb

    "The three accidents at the Hoeganaes facility were entirely preventable. Despite evidence released by the CSB and information that Hoeganaes had in its possession even before the first accident in January 2011, the company did not institute adequate dust control or housekeeping measures," said CSB Chairperson Rafael Moure Eraso.

    According to CSB, significant amounts of the fine iron powder had accumulated over time in the facility and the company did not reduce the hazards through engineering controls and basic housekeeping. Furthermore, the investigation found that Hoeganaes did not institute procedures such as combustible gas monitoring or provide training for employees on avoiding flammable gas fires and explosions. CSB also found that the company did not require atmospheric testing for hydrogen or other explosive gases.

    Recommendations

    Following its investigation, CSB issued several safety recommendations, including urging OSHA to develop and publish a proposed combustible dust standard within 1 year and ensure that the new standard includes coverage for combustible iron and steel powders.

    Ehstoday Com Fire Emergencyresponse News H 1

    CSB is recommending that the International Code Council, which sets safety standards that may be adopted by state and local governments, revise its standards to require mandatory compliance and enforcement with the detailed requirements of NFPA standards related to preventing accumulation of combustible dust in workplaces. Additionally, CSB is recommending that the City of Gallatin require all facilities covered by the International Fire Code to conform to NFPA standards for combustible dusts.

    Among other recommendations, CSB's report advised Hoeganaes to conduct periodic, independent audits of the facility for compliance with NFPA standards; develop training materials that address combustible dust hazards; and develop and implement a near-miss reporting and investigation policy. CSB also made recommendations to the Metal Powder Producers Association, the Gallatin Fire Department and City of Gallatin.

    Finally, CSB's new safety video, "Iron in the Fire," features computer animations depicting each accident at the Hoeganaes facility.

    Hoeganaes Makes Changes

    According to a statement from Hoeganaes sent to EHS Today, the company ceased production after the third accident and initiated a comprehensive safety review with the help of two external firms.

    "The objective of the review was to ensure that the root cause of the three incidents was fully understood and any corrective action implemented," the company stated. "In addition, to make recommendations which would take the Gallatin facility far beyond regulatory compliance to world class standards of operations and safety. These corrective actions have been taken to ensure that similar accidents will not happen again."

    Hoeganaes implemented the recommendations, which included upgrading electrical systems, replacing the gas and air supply system in the affected building, implementing upgraded gas management and hydrogen detection systems, developing an industry-leading powder metal dust management system, upgrading furnaces and conducting comprehensive retraining for all employees.

    "Dust fires and explosions continue to claim lives and destroy property in many industries," said Moure Eraso. "More must be done to control this hazard. No more lives should be lost from these preventable accidents."

    For more information about the investigation, visit http://www.csb.gov/investigations/detail.aspx?SID=100&Type=2&pg=1&F_All=y.

    Continue Reading

    Regulatory Update: OSHA Cites 3M for Willful Safety Violations Related to Worker Fatality

    America's Safest Companies 2023: MasterBrand Cabinets LLC

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Is Your Safety Program Effective? 10 Questions Every Safety Leader Should Ask

    Nov. 7, 2023

    Purposeful Presence: How Leaders Show Up to Amp Up Performance

    Nov. 7, 2023

    The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease

    Nov. 7, 2023

    Autopsy of an Injury Uncovering 18 Million Exposures in One Activity

    Nov. 7, 2023

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!

    I already have an account

    New

    EEOC Proposes Sweeping Employer Guidance

    COP28 Reservations, More Marijuana Headaches and Productivity Hacks: What We’re Reading This Week

    Making Naloxone Part of Emergency Preparedness Plan

    Most Read

    Are Carbon Offsets Effective or Just Corporate Greenwashing?

    Written Safety Plans: Not Just a Paperwork Exercise

    EHS and LMS Platforms – A Match Made in Safety


    Sponsored

    Medical Cannabis Laws: What Do They Mean for Workplace Safety?

    Purposeful Presence: How Leaders Show Up to Amp Up Performance

    Dawn Foods enhances safety culture and compliance by adopting mobile-first EHS software solution

    EHS Today
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/EHS-Today/66542218626?ref=ts
    https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4355311
    https://twitter.com/EHSToday
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Do Not Sell or Share
    • Privacy & Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    © 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Endeavor Business Media Logo