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Showing posts from July, 2012

Sawdust fuelled most sawmill fires

Being involved in helping protect the wood products industries from fires and explosions for the last 3 decades, we have seen first hand the results of many of these types of fires - and the lack of understanding of causes of combustible dust related fires.  As such a complex subject, it is not often someone from the press understands and reports accurately on the causes of industrial combustible dust related fires.  This is a fine article from Gordon Hoekstra at the Vancouver Sun.  It also shines a light on the need for stakeholders to understand the combustible dust problem in these mills, as well as the solutions - efficient dust collection and storage, spark detection, fire suppression, explosion protection, housekeeping etc. Sawdust fuelled most sawmill fires in last decade Explosion warning should have been issued: expert By Gordon Hoekstra, Vancouver Sun July 26, 2012 Sawdust, wood shavings and chips, which are suspected to have played a part in two recent d

Air Handling to present "Combustible Dust: An Explosive Issue" seminar at IWF

Air Handling to present free seminars at IWF Air Handling Systems will be presenting two free seminars as part of the Technology Theatre at IWF in Atlanta. “ Combustible Dust: An Explosive Issue ,” presented by Jamison Scott, will answer the questions of what is combustible dust, who's in charge, can it happen in my facility, and how to prevent it from 10 to 10:20 a.m. Aug. 23 in Building B. “Woodshop dust collection: How much air do I need?,” presented by Curt Corum, will focus on CFM requirements for a hood outlet diameter, manifold sizing for multiport molders and wide belt sanders at 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. Aug. 23 in Building B. Air Handling Systems, based in Woodbridge, Conn., manufactures dust and fume collection components and distributes flexible hoses. For information, visit www.airhand.com .

Inherently Safer: Process Design The Future of Risk Reduction

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Inherently Safer Processing This is an excellent CSB video on explosions and Inherently Safer Process Assessment, Design, Technology, Procedures and Methodology throughout the entire process life cycle.  In addition to mitigation and prevention, you should also look at Risk Reduction through reducing Probability of Occurrence and Severity of Consequence. Some key inherently safer design concepts explained in this video: - Minimize - Substitute - Moderate - Simplify Inherently Safer: The Future of Risk Reduction - YouTube