A Very Normal Explosion ?

Syrian grain silo explosion accident: official

I wonder what an abnormal explosion would be? This normal explosion resulted in 1 fatality, 20 injuries, collapse of a two-floor building nearby, a five-phase metal tower and a metal bridge to carry cereals.

Combustible Dust Hazard Awareness Discussions on LinkedIn

Here is an open invitation to join the Combustible Dust Forum on LinkedIn. Robert Dombroski the technical project manager at EMSL Analytical Inc., initiated the forum which is open to all stakeholders that wish to discuss issues concerning identifying, evaluating and controlling the hazards of combustible dust in the workplace.

Additionally, the LinkedIn professional network is an ideal venue where we can all communicate effectively between each other concerning a diverse spectrum of combustible dust topics. To join the Combustible Dust Forum you must first sign up on LinkedIn and complete a profile, this eliminates any spammers from interfering and sending unwanted messages.


27 January 2012 Update
The above Combustible Dust Forum was the first combustible dust discussion group on Linkedin. Subsequently, two months later in November 2008, the Combustible Dust Policy Institute also started a discussion group in Linkedin. These are both valuable resources for stakeholders seeking information on combustible dust hazard awareness.

ComDust Alert #1 -Demolition Work Combustible Dust Hazard

Fire crews called to Hoover plant

Over the past year the Combustible Dust Policy Institute has observed through media accounts, numerous preventable combustible dust fires occurring at facilities where demolition work is conducted. Contractors must be informed by plant owners when working adjacent to process equipment such as ducting and bulk storage enclosures. A dilemma exists when the plant is sold and then vacant. How does the appropriate parties obtain the essential risk assessment information?

Prior to demolition work starting, a thorough risk assessment must be performed by all stakeholders, which identifies, evaluates, and controls the risk. Either the combustible dust hazard must be eliminated or managed appropriately. Most contractors are not aware of combustible dust hazards while conducting their work at manufacturing facilities. This presents a serious problem when heat sources from grinding and cutting tools adjacent to fuel sources complete the fire triangle.

Another possible solution in preventing future combustible dust related fires during demolition work is through an education effort involving area safety councils across the nation working proactively with their construction and manufacturing sector membership. Until some form of proactive situational awareness measure is implemented these incidents will continue.

Combustible Dust Explosion Inspection Training

The Illinois Safety Council is hosting several Combustible Dust Explosion Inspection Seminars at the University of Illinois in Naperville, Illinois on October 30 and November 20, 2008. Joseph Howicz, who has served for over 30 years as an OSHA Compliance Officer and OSHA Instructor in addition to John Newquist, OSHA's Region V Assistant Regional Administrator for Cooperative and State Programs will be speakers at the seminars.

Topics will include preventing and mitigating explosions, OSHA Combustible Dust NEP, OSHA Inspection Details, and a review of the important NFPA 654 Combustible Dust standard. Naperville is a short drive from Chicago's O'Hara Airport. Attendees who complete the one day program will receive Certificates of Completion (CEU) from the University of Illinois.

Registration and Application .pdf

Returning After Ike

For nearly a week the communication infrastructure throughout Galveston County has been down as the result of Hurricane Ike that cut a devastating path beginning at the eastern tip of Galveston Island and continuing northward up the Houston Ship Channel. Slowly electrical and Internet services are being restored throughout the area.

Today was the first day that the Combustible Dust Policy Institute, located in the eye of the hurricane in Santa Fe, Texas, has been able to get back to business when electrical power was restored by the hardworking crews and contractors of Center Point Energy . Luckily the 110 mph winds did not cause any major damage here on Sandy Lane, just plenty of frayed nerves and thankful that our prayers were answered that the storm didn't turn into a Cat 3.

Prior to tracking combustible dust fires and explosions in the manufacturing sector, Google Maps were also utilized to track maritime vessel traffic in the Houston-Texas City-Galveston area. Just thought I'd provide visitors here on this site a link to a birds-eye view of shipping traffic waiting to enter the local ports. Currently the Houston Ship Channel has reopened with restrictions and as soon as all the navigational aids are restored global trade will return back to normal here in this neck of the woods.

Google Map Shipping Traffic
Ike Aftermath Satellite Pictures

Blow Down ComDust Housekeeping Safety

http://www.edsonleader.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1200382

Make sure you safely vacuum areas of high dust build-up prior to a blow down. Unfortunately this sawmill experienced a fire when dust ignited during a blow down. On the positive side, the plant was saved from extensive damage when the fire sprinkler system activated. NFPA 654 and 664 are excellent resources with chapters that outline housekeeping procedures prior to blow downs.