The report focuses on a combustible dust explosion at an AL
Solutions metal recycling facility in New Cumberland, WV, that killed three
employees and injured a contractor. An inadequately repaired metal blender is
believed to be the source of the initial fire, which triggered an explosion
that ignited additional nearby combustible dust into a second, more devastating
blaze.
The incident is 1 of 9 of its type under investigation by
the CSB since 2003. Such explosions and fires have caused 36 deaths and 128
injuries in that time.
CSB Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso says, “Preventable
combustible dust explosions continue to occur, causing worker deaths and
injuries. The CSB believes it is imperative for OSHA to issue a comprehensive
combustible dust standard for general industry with clear control requirements
to prevent dust fires and explosions.”
The CSB report notes that most solid organic materials will
explode if particles are small enough and at a sufficient concentration in a
confined space near an ignition source.
CSB’s investigation revealed that the AL Solutions facility
had experienced fatal fires and combustible dust explosions in 1995 and 2006.
Between 1993 and 2010, at least 7 fires at the facility had required response
from the local fire department.
“Had a national standard for combustible dust been in place
in 2006 – and if industry had followed the requirements – many of the severe
dust incidents that followed, including AL Solutions, may have been prevented.
The time is now for OSHA to take action to prevent these tragic accidents.”
Moure-Eraso says.