Date: September 19, 2018
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)
Address: 629 2nd Street SE, 55414
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Aluminum Dust
Industry: Metal Supplier (Manufacturing)
Equipment: Dust Collector
Company: Metal-Matic, Inc.
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: Two Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, Metal-Matic, Inc. started in 1951 as a research and development facility. In 1956 it opened its first tube mill, and during the ensuing years the company has developed a reputation for metallurgical expertise. Today it produces welded and mandrel carbon steel tubing for standard and specialty applications from two locations in Minnesota, one in Illinois, and one in Ohio.
Incident Description:
On September 19, 2018, Fox 9 News reported a dust explosion at a metal supply facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two people were taken to the hospital with burn injuries as well as cuts and abrasions from the force of the explosion. All other building occupants were evacuated safely and the bulk of the fire was under control by 3:08 p.m.
The Minneapolis Fire Department Assistant Chief of Administration said the explosion appeared to have originated with a dust collector. He referred to such an event as “not common, but it’s very possible.”
On September 20, CBS Minnesota reported that after an investigation, authorities found that the explosion occurred when a pipe welding torch ignited an aluminum dust and water mixture.
OSHA Inspections:
An establishment search turned up three OSHA inspections for Metal-Matic, Inc. in Minnesota but none of the incidents were flagged for combustible dust.
Incident Update:
A lawsuit filed against Metal-Matic in April 2019 has also illuminated the cause of the incident. Phil Sieff, personal injury attorney representing one of the victims, is quoted by Fox 9 News: the employee was “using a sprayer to coat a pipe, and as part of his job, he flipped a switch that turns on the dust collection system. In an instant, the dust particles exploded.”
The personal injury lawsuit is naming Thermach, the company that made the sprayer, Northland Mechanical Contractors, the company responsible for maintenance on the dust collection system, and Process Engineering, the company that installed the system, as responsible for the explosion.
Sources:
Fox 9 News
CBS Minnesota
Fox 9 News (update)
