Georgia-Pacific blast probed
By Nick Hiltunen
Published in News on March 27, 2008 1:47 PM
DUDLEY -- An explosion at a Georgia-Pacific wood processing plant means a safety investigation by the N.C. Department of Labor, a spokesman said.
Sawdust in four remote collection bins at the facility exploded and caught fire around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Labor Department spokesman Dolores Quesenberry said concerns about future explosions warrant an investigation.
Investigation into potential work hazards by the N.C. Department of Labor generally take between eight and 10 weeks, Ms. Quesenberry said.
No one was injured in the explosion. Firefighters suspect a spark ignited airborne sawdust, which can take on highly combustible properties under the right conditions.
The Brewington Drive plant, which makes plywood-like engineered wood sheets, is usually unmanned, a company spokesman said. The plant was expected to be back in operation today or tomorrow.