CSB investigators deploy to fatal explosion and fire at Carbide Industries

Published: 25 March, 2011

The fatal accident took place in a facility in Louisville (Kentucky) that produces calcium carbide products.

Two workers were killed and two others injured Monday evening (21^st March) as a result of a fire and explosion that occurred at the facility. According to emergency responders at the scene of the incident both of the fatally injured workers were located inside a control room at the time of the accident.

The CSB team will be led by Investigations Supervisor John Vorderbrueggen. Investigators will be accompanied by CSB Board Member Mark Griffon.

Board Member Mark Griffon said, “CSB investigations look at a wide range of issues. Previous CSB investigations have included assessing a plant’s facility siting practices and examining the location of occupied buildings such as control rooms.”

According to the company’s website, Carbide Industries primarily produces calcium carbide which is used to manufacture acetylene gas, as well as a number of specialty chemicals. In its pure form, calcium carbide is a colorless chemical compound that reacts violently with water.

CSB - background

The CSB is an independent US federal agency charged with investigating industrial 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.

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