Washington DC, February 16, 2011 – A five-person investigation team from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) continues its investigation into the cause of a fatal flash fire at Hoeganaes Corporation, a producer of powdered iron located about twenty miles outside of Nashville, TN.
One worker was fatally injured and another seriously burned as a result of the January 31 incident. CSB investigators have been at the site since February 3 interviewing key witnesses, examining the scene and collecting evidence.
The investigative team will be led by Investigator-in-Charge Johnnie Banks who is currently at the site of the incident.
The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating serious chemical accidents. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems.
The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. CSB’s final report including can be viewed at www.csb.gov.
For more information, contact Public Affairs Specialist Hillary Cohen, 202-261-3601, 202.446.8034 or Sandy Gilmour, 202-261-7614, cell 202-251-5496.