Investigation Report
Hoeganaes Corporation Fatal Flash Fires
Hoeganaes Corporation Fatal Flash Fires
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- Hazardous SubstancesHot Work and Fire
- Electrical safetyExplosionFireHydrogen safetyRegulation and legislation
- Inspection and maintenance
- Personal protective equipmentProcess pipework and pipelines
- Competence and trainingAtmospheric gas testingOperating and work proceduresPreventive maintenance
- Onshore facility
Summary
This case study investigates three incidents involving combustible iron dust and hydrogen at Hoeganaes in Gallatin, Tennessee. It examines dust testing, accumulation and collection failures, hydrogen piping integrity, electrical classification and flame-resistant clothing. Recommendations address combustible dust standards, plant-specific training, gas-system maintenance and near-miss investigation.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrogen safety.
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: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
Investigation into fatal flash fires at a metal powder manufacturing facility.
Themes: hazardous substances, hot work and fire.