March 30, 2011: The Chemical Safety Board announced it will launch an investigation of the Hoaganeas Corporation facility located in Gallatin, TN after two serious flash fires have occurred since January 2011. The first incident resulted in one fatality and one severely burned worker and was caused by an electrical short igniting materials in the facility. The second incident occurred during maintenance of a burner unit. The Hoeganaes facility is the largest major producer of atomized steel powder.

These incidents highlight two potential areas of concern:

• Lockout/Tagout: Ensure all energy sources are deenergized and at a zero-energy state prior to performing maintenance/servicing activity.
• Combustible Dust: Facility is a manufacturer of atomized steel powder. The potential for a combustible dust explosion should be evaluated and appropriate safeguards installed as needed.