Federal Investigators Poised To Launch Review Of Dust Explosions

Federal investigators will likely launch a nationwide review of the hazards that combustible dust particles pose at manufacturing facilities, an effort that may lead to recommendations for federal regulations. The potential investigation comes after two major dust explosions at a pharmaceutical plant and a manufacturing facility resulted in several fatalities and attracted national attention earlier this year.

Members of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) at a June 25 public meeting indicated a keen interest on conducting a nationwide review of procedures that companies in all manufacturing sectors could take to reduce the chances of explosions caused by dust. CSB members argue that federal standards by EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) do not adequately assess the dangers posed by dust particles. A review could determine what federal action is needed to reduce the chances of a dust explosion at facilities, including chemical plants.

The potential investigation will likely examine industry practices that could result in a dust explosion, which generally occurs when sparks ignite an over-accumulation of flammable dust at a given facility.

Board members at the meeting did not formally vote to conduct the study, but indicated that they would likely approve it. Members stressed the importance of choosing an appropriate review to conduct because of the "limited resources" the board gets each year. The board was appropriated an $8 million budget in fiscal year 2003, and the president requested an additional $1 million for it in FY04.

Board members will draft their position on the study before formally voting on it within the next "several weeks," according to a CSB staffer. Chairman Carolyn Merritt at the meeting acknowledged the need for a study, saying "dust explosions are certainly a reason for great concern." Members Irv Rosenthal, John Bresland and Gerald V. Poje also agreed that the subject should be strongly considered as one of three potential reviews in the upcoming year.

Federal investigators say they will examine common industry practices on controlling dust by reviewing existing EPA and OSHA data. A source with CSB adds that site visits at both small and large chemical plants and at facilities in other manufacturing industries are likely.

A major dust explosion fueled by plastic powder used in manufacturing killed six people and injured dozens more in late January at West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. in Kinston, NC. A CSB investigation into that explosion is currently underway. Investigators are also in the midst of a review on a dust explosion at an insulation manufacturing plant in Corbin, KY that occurred in February, killing four and injuring many more. Investigators plan to shortly release interim findings on the Corbin investigation.

The chemical safety board is an independent federal agency that investigates industrial chemical accidents and provides industry and federal agencies with recommendations for reducing hazards.

Date: June 30, 2003 © Inside Washington Publishers

William C. Herz, MPH
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