Date: January 24, 2018
Location: Henderson, Nevada (USA)
Address: 181 N. Water Street, 89015
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Magnesium Dust
Industry: Titanium Production (Manufacturing)
Equipment: No Details
Company: TIMET
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: Two Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, TIMET was established in 1950 as the Titanium Metals Corporation of America. Two years later it produced the world’s first titanium ingots. Today, TIMET has a complete supply chain, dedicated research facilities, and facilities in the USA, Europe, and China. Its Henderson, Nevada location produces titanium that is used in airplanes and other industries.
Description of Magnesium Dust Explosion:
On January 26, 2018, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported an explosion at a titanium-producing plant in downtown Henderson, Nevada. Local residents reported hearing the blast a dozen miles away from the plant, which is located at the Black Mountain Industrial Complex.
A city spokesperson said that the incident, which occurred at 8:15 a.m. during a magnesium recycling operation, was confined to the plant and did not release hazardous material or cause a fire. However, the Las Vegas Sun reported that the explosion was so strong that it caused windows on neighbouring buildings to rattle.
The Henderson Fire Department stated that two people suffered minor injuries that did not require medical attention. A company spokesman confirmed that the plant will remain open and no jobs will be affected.
Previous Incidents:
The Henderson plant was the site of an earlier explosion on August 4, 1998. The Las Vegas Sun reported that at around 12:30 a.m. 1,000 lbs of molten magnesium spilled into a production area basement, triggering an explosion and fire when it contacted a duct leading to a dust collector. The flames spread into an adjoining area, where an industrial trash dumpster and stacked tires were destroyed.
No one was hurt and 40 workers on the graveyard shift evacuated immediately. Fire officials estimated the property damage at $300,000.
Sources:
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas Sun
