Accident: AL Solutions Fatal Dust Explosion
Location: Location: New Cumberland, WV
Accident Occurred On: 12/09/2010 | Final Report Released On: 07/16/2014
Accident Type: Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire
Investigation Status: The CSB's final report was approved 2-0 at a public meeting in Charleston, WV.
An explosion ripped through the New Cumberland A.L. Solutions titanium plant in West Virginia on December 9, 2010, fatally injuring three workers. The workers were processing titanium powder, which is highly flammable, at the time of the explosion.
For all new and existing equipment and operations at AL Solutions facilities that process combustible dusts or powders, apply the following chapters of NFPA 484-2012, Standard for Combustible Metals:
Develop training materials that address combustible dust hazards and plant-specific metal dust hazards and then train all employees and contractors. Require periodic (e.g., annual) refresher training for all employees and contractors.
Prohibit the use of sprinkler systems and water deluge systems in all buildings that process or store combustible metals.
Conduct a process hazard analysis as defined in NFPA 484-2012, Section 12.2.5, and submit a copy to the local fire department or the enforcing authority for the fire code.