Techniques Surfaces USA (TS USA), a subsidiary of HEF Groupe, failed to implement critical process safety protocols at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, liquid nitriding facility, according to a press statement from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).
The CSB on June 3 released its final report into the May 30, 2024, incident that killed one employee and injured three others. The explosion occurred when a plugged roller containing water was reinserted into an 800°F molten salt bath, causing a pressure buildup and steam that led to a molten salt eruption.
According to the CSB, the agency identified the lack of a comprehensive safety management system, inadequate training and procedures and the failure to apply lessons from similar incidents at other HEF Groupe facilities.
The CSB found at least three prior events involving similar hazards within HEF Groupe operations, but the company reportedly did not share those learnings across its subsidiaries. The agency said HEF Groupe also failed to enforce corporate safety standards at TS USA.
The CSB issued seven recommendations to TS USA and HEF Groupe. These include physical safeguards for molten salt processes, implementation of a formal safety management system, improved corporate knowledge sharing and the appointment of qualified safety professionals at each TS USA facility.
About the Author
Amanda Joshi | Managing Editor
Amanda Joshi has more than 18 years of experience in business-to-business publishing for both print and digital content. Before joining Chemical Processing, she worked with Manufacturing.net and Electrical Contracting Products. She’s a versatile, award-winning editor with experience in writing and editing technical content, executing marketing strategy, developing new products, attending industry events and developing customer relationships.
Amanda graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2001 with a B.A. in English and has been an English teacher. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and daughter, and their mini Aussiedoodle, Riley. In her rare spare time, she enjoys reading, tackling DIY projects, and horseback riding.
