As a result of the report, CSB has issued several safety recommendations, including a bid for United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop and publish a proposed combustible dust standard, covering combustible iron and steel powders, within one year. CSB also advised Hoeganaes to conduct periodic, independent audits of the facility for compliance with US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, develop training materials that address combustible dust hazards and develop and implement a near-miss reporting and investigation policy. Hoeganaes told EHS Today that the company ceased production after the third accident and initiated a comprehensive safety review with the help of two external firms. "The objective of the review was to ensure that the root cause of the three incidents was fully understood and any corrective action implemented," Hoeganaes stated. "In addition, to make recommendations which would take the Gallatin facility far beyond regulatory compliance to world class standards of operations and safety. These corrective actions have been taken to ensure that similar accidents will not happen again."
The report can be accessed here (pdf file).
