Basic housekeeping, proper engineering controls and other such safety measures could have prevented three accidents sparked by the accumulation of combustible metal dust at the Hoeganaes iron powder plant in Tennessee. Two flash fires and an explosion killed five employees and injured three more last year. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board released a report on Jan. 5, 2012 about its investigation into the accidents which occurred over a short six-month period. Chairperson Rafael Moure Eraso of CSB said, "The three incidents at the Hoeganaes facility were entirely preventable." He continued on to say, "Dust fires and explosions continue to claim lives and destroy property in many industries. More must be done to control this hazard."

As a result, CSB has made several important safety recommendations:

• The Board recommends that OSHA develop and publish its proposed combustible dust standard within one year and ensure that combustible metal dusts such as iron and steel powders are covered in the standard.
• CSB recommends that the International Code Council revise its standards around combustible dust in the workplace to require mandatory compliance and enforcement with the detailed requirements of National Fire Protection Association standards.
• CSB also urges Hoeganaes Corporation to conduct independent audits of its Tennessee facility, institute training about combustible dust for all employees and contractors, and to start a preventative maintenance program at the facility.

View the CSB video, "Iron in the Fire," illustrating the role of combustible dust in the three fatal incidents.

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