Chemical Safety Board completes investigation
of CTA Acoustics dust explosion
Dust
fueled a CTA Acoustics plant explosion in Corbin, Ky
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB)
released its findings following an investigation of a CTA
Acoustics explosion. On February 20, 2003, an explosion and
fire damaged the CTA Acoustics manufacturing plant in Corbin,
Ky., fatally injuring seven workers. The facility produced
fiberglass insulation for the automotive industry. The explosion
was fueled by resin dust accumulated in a production area,
likely ignited by flames from a malfunctioning oven.
Upon investigation, CSB discovered that CTA knew combustible
dust in the plant could explode, but did not communicate this
hazard to workers or modify operating procedures or the design
of the plant. Additionally, The Kentucky Office of Occupational
Safety and Health conducted wall-to-wall inspections of the
facility in 1989, 1993, and 2000, but did not issue citations
regarding combustible dust hazards.
To view CSB's findings and recommendations, read the full
report and watch a slide presentation, click
here.
When you click on the above link, you will be directed to
another Web site. The International Code Council is not responsible
for its content.
Job losses, plant shutdowns, injuries and deaths result
when dust explosions and fires occur. CSB, the agency in charge
of investigating these industrial accidents, works to prevent
future dust explosions.
In support of its mission, CSB held a hearing in June 2005
to present findings, review the effectiveness of fire codes
and their enforcement, look at voluntary prevention programs
and identify technical barriers that must be addressed. More
than 20 experts from different organizations, including the
International Code Council, participated in the hearing.
The International Fire Code addresses dust explosions in
Chapter 13, Combustible Dust-Producing Operations.
