Preventing Dust ExplosionsPreventing Dust Explosions

Agenda Program overview

Explosion statistics

Dust explosion properties

Ignition sources

Dust explosion locations

Preventing explosions

Deadly Dust II - video

Program OverviewProgram Overview

Safety program changes Safety inspections Safety training Safety audits

Grain handling practices Housekeeping Preventive maintenance

19991999 Explosion StatisticsExplosion Statistics

Company Location Date Damage

Butterball Turkey Sherwin, KS 2/99 $50-$500

Farmers Coop Co. Craig, IA 4/99 $50-$500K,

1 hurt

Amick Farms Monetta, SC 8/99 $50-$500K,

10 hurt

Reedsville Coop Reedsville, WI 10/99 $500K+

7 hurt

Dust Explosion PropertiesDust Explosion Properties

Fuel (grain dust)

Oxygen Ignition Source

Confined Space(equipment, building)

How an explosion occurs

1) Dust has to be combustible2) Particles form a cloud exceeding min. explosion concentrations3) Dust is confined4) Ignition source is present

Ignition Sources Ignition Sources

Feed Mills

Friction Sparks 2.8%Welding 17.2%

ElectricalFailure 4%

TrampMetal 4%

Fire BesidesWelding 4%

FOD 3.6%

Choked Leg Friction 3.2%

HotBearings 2.8%

Dust Explosion LocationsDust Explosion Locations

Bucket elevators

Roller mills

Storage bins or tanks

Headhouse

Dust collector

Preventing Dust ExplosionsPreventing Dust Explosions

Good housekeepingFloor areas within 35 ft of

inside bucket elevators

Floors of enclosed areas having grinding equipment

Floors of enclosed areas having grain dryers

Preventing Dust ExplosionsPreventing Dust Explosions

Preventive maintenanceLooking at all mechanical

and safety control equipment associated with preventing fires

Examples: dryers, dust collection equipment, bucket elevators

Preventing Dust ExplosionsPreventing Dust Explosions

Blowdown operationsShut down machinery which

presents an ignition sourceRemove all other

potential ignition sources

Employee

participation