CSB Public Hearing to Expose Fireworks Disposal Issues
Staff members of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board will present their findings Jan. 17 about an April 2011 explosion that killed five workers at a facility near Honolulu.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has announced a public meeting Jan. 17 in Washington, D.C., will address the investigative staff's findings about the April 8, 2011, explosion and fire that killed five workers at a storage facility used by Donaldson Enterprises near Honolulu, Hawaii. The explosion occurred during the disposal of professional-grade fireworks that had been illegally labeled for consumer use by a Chinese manufacturer and were seized by federal customs agents upon arrival in the United States.
Key issues in the board's investigation include how fireworks are disposed of, training of workers who do it, "and the absence of a national standard or acceptable industry good practice for fireworks disposal," according to the board's announcement.
It will be a public meeting starting at 2:30 p.m. Eastern in the Horizon Room of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center located at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004. "The CSB's public hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to hear the findings and formal safety recommendations resulting from the board's investigation into the tragic 2011 accident that killed five workers," board Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso said.
After a public comment period, the board will consider whether to approve the final report and recommendations. To register for the event, send an email to [email protected].