The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board will convene a public meeting Nov. 9 related to its investigation of combustible dust hazards at industrial facilities. The board, also known as CSB, will be considering the findings and proposed recommendations of a draft report.

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 also will be described. CSB will consider the findings and proposed recommendations of the draft report and hear public comments concerning the issue. The board also may vote on approval of the report and recommendations.

The findings and recommendations are the culmination of several recent CSB investigations, including three launched in 2003 following combustible dust explosions in Kinston, N.C.; Corbin, Ky.; and Huntington, Ind., that killed 14 people and injured 81. In 2004, CSB initiated a 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 review all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in safety management systems. CSB 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.

For more details regarding CSB or the scheduled meeting, visit www.csb.gov.