Washington, DC, October 20, 2006 - The CSB today announced it is convening a public meeting related to its investigation of combustible dust hazards at industrial facilities. The Board will be considering the findings and proposed recommendations of the draft report. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. on November 9, 2006, in the Diplomat/Consulate room of the Embassy Suites Downtown Washington, 1250 22nd Street, NW, Washington, DC.

Pre-registration is not required, but to assure adequate seating attendees are encouraged to pre-register by emailing their names and affiliations to dust@csb.gov by November 2, 2006.

The investigation team will present its draft findings on the history of combustible dust fires and explosions in the United States. Proposed recommendations to prevent future dust explosions will also be described. The Board will discuss the findings and proposed recommendations of the draft report and hear public comments concerning the issue. The Board may also vote on approval of the report and recommendations.

In 2003, the CSB launched investigations of three combustible dust explosions in Kinston, North Carolina; Corbin, Kentucky; and Huntington, Indiana. The final reports are available on www.csb.gov. A total of 14 people were killed and 81 injured in these three accidents. In 2004, the Board launched the hazard study of the causes and effects of combustible dust fires and explosions.

The CSB is an independent 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 safety management systems. The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. Please visit our website, www.CSB.gov.

For more information, contact Daniel Horowitz (202) 261-7613 or Jennifer Jones (202) 261-3603.