2002 — May 16, Fire leading to rubber dust explosion, Rouse Polymerics, Vicksburg, MS–5

–5  Frank, W. L. and M. L. Holcomb. Housekeeping Solutions. Web version created 4-28-2009.

–5  U.S. CSB. Investigation Report: Combustible Dust Hazard Study. Nov 2006, p. 27.

 

Narrative Information

 

CSB: “On May 16, 2002, a rubber dust explosion at the Rouse Polymerics rubber recycling plant in Vicksburg, Mississippi, resulted in the deaths of five workers and injuries to seven others…The rubber recycling process included a west slurry operation, followed by gas-fired drying of fine rubber paste. OSHA concluded that hot rubber entrained in the exhaust from product dryers fell onto the building roof, igniting a fire that was pulled into a product bagging bin. Evidence indicates that a primary fire occurred inside the bagging bin, which was not equipped with explosion venting, and spread to a screw conveyer. Dust layers that had accumulated on surfaces were lofted and ignited in a secondary explosion.

 

“The OSHA investigation report indicated that design and procedures for operating the gas-fired dryers and dust collector were inadequate, as was housekeeping, and that plant personnel lacked awareness of the hazards of accumulated layers of combustible rubber dust. Investigators also linked ineffective management of change to the incident.” (U.S. CSB. Investigation Report: Combustible Dust Hazard Study. Nov 2006, pp. 27-28.)

 

Frank and Holcomb: “Rouse Polymerics International, Inc., Vicksburg, Mississippi, May 16, 2002. An explosion in this rubber recycling plant injured 11 workers (6 critically), 5 of whom later died from severe burns. The plant was reported to be ‘a total loss.’ The process recycled elastomeric materials, producing a very fine powdered rubber product. Investigators believed that sparks from an over exited an exhaust pipe, landed on the building rook, and started a fire. The fire is believed to have spread to an adjacent piece of equipment, where it caused an initial explosion that prompted a secondary explosion involving accumulations of dust in the building.” (Frank, Walter L. and Mark L. Holcomb. Housekeeping Solutions. Web version created 4-28-2009, pp. 1-2.)

 

Sources

 

Frank, Walter L. and Mark L. Holcomb. Housekeeping Solutions. Web version created 4-28-2009.

 

U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). Investigation Report: Combustible Dust Hazard Study (Report No. 2006-H-1). Washington, DC: CSB, November 2006, 108 pages.