News Releases

CSB Chairman Praises New OSHA Reactive Hazards Alliance

Mar 03, 2004

Washington, DC, March 30, 2004 - U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) Chairman Carolyn W. Merritt today released a letter praising the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its initiative in forming a new alliance to address reactive chemical hazards, saying the effort "can help save lives, protect businesses, and spare communities from the devastating impact of reactive chemical accidents."

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CSB to Present Final Report on D.D. Williamson Explosion at Public Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, Friday March 12, 2004

Feb 26, 2004

(Washington, DC - February 26, 2004) The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has scheduled a public meeting in Louisville, KY, on Friday, March 12, to present the final report into the cause of last yearÂ?s explosion and ammonia release at the D.D. Williamson & Co. plant.

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One Year after Tragedy, CSB Investigation Focuses on Ignition Source, Hazard Awareness in CTA Acoustics Accident

Feb 20, 2004

(Washington, DC - February 20, 2004) One year after the deadly accident at CTA Acoustics in Corbin, KY, an investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) continues to focus on the explosion of a combustible dust cloud, ignited by flames that escaped through the open door of a malfunctioning natural gas-fired production oven. The door was left open in an attempt to regulate the temperature of the oven.

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CSB Board Declares OSHA Response to Reactives Regulation Recommendation "Unacceptable"

Feb 05, 2004

Washington, DC, Feb. 5, 2004--The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has formally notified the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that it finds "unacceptable" OSHA's response to CSB recommendations to broaden the regulation of reactive chemicals in the workplace and to compile data on reactive chemical accidents.

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CSB Considers National Safety Issues as West Pharmaceutical Investigation Continues One Year after Explosion

Jan 28, 2004

(Washington, DC - January 28, 2004) The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has broadened its investigation into the root causes of the catastrophic dust explosion and fire which occurred at the West Pharmaceutical Services plant in Kinston, NC, on January 29, 2003, initiating a nationwide review of safety issues raised by accident.

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Dr. Gerald Poje Testifies before New York City Council Committee on Need to Update City Fire Code in Wake of Kaltech Explosion

Dec 10, 2003

(New York City - December 10, 2003) Testifying today at a New York City Council committee hearing, U.S. Chemical Safety Board Member Dr. Gerald Poje said the city should update its antiquated fire code to prevent chemical explosions like the one that heavily damaged a Manhattan commercial building last year.

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U.S. Chemical Safety Board to Conduct Full Investigation of DPC Enterprises Chlorine Leak in Glendale, Arizona

Nov 20, 2003

(Washington, D.C., Nov. 20, 2003) The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) announced today it will extend to a full investigation its inquiry into the chlorine release which occurred at the DPC Enterprises facility in Glendale, Arizona (near Phoenix) last Monday, Nov. 17.

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U.S. Chemical Safety Board Deploys Investigation Team to Site of DPC Enterprises Chlorine Leak in Glendale, Arizona

Nov 18, 2003

Washington, D.C., Nov. 18, 2003 - The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has deployed an investigation team to conduct a preliminary investigation into the chlorine release which occurred at the DPC Enterprises facility in Glendale, AZ, yesterday.

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On First Anniversary of Investigation, Board Releases Data on 167 Serious Reactive Incidents

Nov 17, 2003

Washington, DC - September 17, 2003 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) today released detailed information on the 167 serious chemical incidents analyzed in the agency's landmark 2002 study on reactive hazards, marking the first anniversary of the Board's vote for broad new initiatives to control the dangers from uncontrolled chemical reactions. The incidents covered are fires, explosions, toxic gas releases or other events where uncontrolled chemical reactions resulted in deaths, injuries, or damage, or had the potential to do so. All the incidents occurred in the U.S. between 1980 and 2001; together they were responsible for 108 deaths and numerous injuries. Following completion of the reactive study in September 2002, agency staff went back and reviewed information on each incident to ensure that it met criteria for public release.

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CSB Investigators Find Likely Source of Dust Explosion at Indiana Automotive Plant

Nov 05, 2003

(Huntington, Indiana - November 5, 2003) Investigators from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) have determined that last week's fatal accident at the Hayes Lemmerz automotive parts plant here likely involved an explosion of aluminum dust that originated near an aluminum chip melting furnace.

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