Investigation Report
AL Solutions Fatal Dust Explosion
AL Solutions Fatal Dust Explosion
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionHazardous Substances
- ExplosionFireHazardous substancesMechanical failureRegulation and legislation
- Inspection and maintenance
- Personal protective equipmentRotating machinery
- Competence and trainingFire protectionIgnition source controlRisk assessment
- Onshore facility
Summary
Investigates the fatal December 2010 metal dust explosion at AL Solutions in West Virginia, probably originating in defective zirconium blending equipment. Examines dust testing, earlier incidents, ignition hazards, water-based cleaning and suppression, and regulatory oversight. Recommendations address combustible-metal safeguards, process hazard analysis and employee and contractor training.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Rotating machinery; rotating equipment.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Themes: explosion, hazardous substances.