Dust Plays Role In Didion Explosion

A Chemical Safety Board official concludes combustible dust almost certainly contributed to an explosion at Didion Milling in Cambria, Wisconsin.

Jan. 24, 2018

Combustible dust was a probable culprit in a fatal explosion last May at Didion Milling in Cambria, Wisconsin, according to an article from the Portage Daily Register. Lead investigator with the Chemical Safety Board (CSB), Mary Beth Mulcahy reportedly said the establishment of best practices and suggestions for regulations are likely outcomes of the investigation in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of combustible dust.

The CSB is not a regulatory agency and its investigation is independent of that of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA reportedly assessed more than $1.8 million in penalties for alleged fire safety violations at the Didion facility, which the company is appealing. According to the article, no official determination has been made on the cause of the late night explosion that killed five.