In Shanghai, 61 workers were injured after aluminum dust produced by polishing cases for iPads ignited. According to a statement by the China Labor Watch, this blast at the Ri Teng Computer Accessory Company owned by Pegatron Corp. was similar to the Foxconn explosion earlier this year. In May, Foxconn (a major parts supplier for Apple products) was in the headlines for a blast in their polishing workshop due to an explosion of aluminum dust in a ventilation vent.
Apple is still working with Pegatron Corp. to understand the cause of this particular explosion. Details on the conditions of the employees have not been released but we hope they do not suffer from any serious injuries!
To learn more about the history of combustible dust fires and explosions (in the U.S.) and the hazards it can present to manufacturers and industrial companies, tune in and listen to our two part podcast: Combustible Dust, Manufacturers’ Dirty Little Secret.
