Dust… Spark… Inferno — Wood Industry
From Wood Industry Dust… Spark… Inferno — Wood Industry Combustible dust is a deadly wood-industry hazard. Positive steps can help prevent explosions from two sources: regulations and fire. Four workers have been killed recently, and 42 more injured, as a result of explosions erupting in two B.C. sawmills. Although the investigations — by both the Crown and WorkSafeBC — are ongoing, combustible dust is yet again suspected as the culprit in a wood-industry workplace disaster. Fines may be levied against the employing companies, and individuals may even be facing criminal prosecution. Think it can only happen in a large sawmill? Think again. Jamison Scott, vice president and corporate officer for Air Handing Systems, has also served as the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America’s (WMMA) point-man on combustible dust. He says, “Whether we’re talking about a big sawmill or a small manufacturer, too many people in our industry are unaware of the extreme ...