Fire From Iron

Although the potential consequences of combustible dust explosions are becoming more widely known, the potential consequences of combustible dust fires are sometimes overlooked. The CSB investigated three incidents involving combustible iron dust at Hoeganaes Corporation. Two people died from burns due to combustible iron dust, and three more died from burns in a combination hydrogen explosion and iron dust fire. The independent testing of the iron dust combustibility and explosibility was particularly notable. Applying the lessons to other materials and other facilities can prevent similar tragedies.