SAFETY IN THE PLANT
Understanding the properties and risks of combustible dust is essential for good plant management
DANGEROUS DUST
Preventing dust-related explosions is essential for good plant management, here we provide some tips on how to do just this
C
ombustible dust refers to the fi ne particles that can ignite and explode when suspended in the air in certain
concentrations. They come from materials such as wood and plastics and can pose a signifi cant risk to workers and facilities in process manufacturing plants. Industries at risk might include agriculture, manufacturing, and food processing and combustible dust might be made up of common materials including fl our, sugar, coal, and metal powders. The accumulation of dust in confi ned spaces or on surfaces can create an explosive atmosphere, leading to catastrophic consequences.
UNDERSTANDING THE ASSOCIATED PROPERTIES AND RISKS Understanding the properties and risks associated with combustible dust is therefore crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.
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The primary hazards of combustible dust include fi re and explosions and are most likely to be caused by an electrical spark or other ignition sources, resulting in property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. When dealing with combustible dust, it’s essential to conduct accurate laboratory testing to determine combustibility or explosibility. Testing helps to indentify hazards associated with the problem, while a thorough risk assessment will help to indentify and mitigate the risks associated with combustible dust at your facility. A consultancy company called Sigma- HSE, specialises in providing expert consulting and testing services to assess and then manage the likelihood of combustible dust in a processing plant.
ELEMENTS TO A COMBUSTIBLE DUST EXPLOSION There are fi ve key elements to a
combustible dust explosion; these include the conventional fi re triangle— fuel, oxidant, and an ignition source— as well as confi nement and dispersion.. When all fi ve elements are present simultaneously, there is a high risk of an explosion. Understanding and managing these elements are crucial for preventing and mitigating the hazards associated with combustible dust in the workplace. Safety operators should also be aware that an initial explosion can create a shockwave that disturbs settled dust, leading to subsequent explosions. Fuelled by the dispersed dust cloud, the increased surface area of the dispersed dust allows for rapid combustion, resulting in a more extensive and devastating fi re. While the initial explosion will cause damage, it is often the secondary explosion that is most devastating. As an expert from HSE Sigma explains, ease of ignition must also be understood, taking into consideration
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