Preventing dust explosions course
22 Apr 2014
Experts at the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, at the University of Greenwich in Kent, are running a one-day short course on Dust Explosion prevention on the 3rd of June.
Explosions and fires within the process industry from combustible materials are a known hazard and can give rise to serious injury - perhaps even fatality - as well having as the potential to cause extensive plant and buildings damage and substantial loss of production.
Legislation introduced in 2002 - the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) - rationalised workplace assessment for fire and explosion hazard identification, and methods of prevention or mitigation.
DSEAR requires all workplaces where substances that could give rise to fire or explosion are handled or stored must be fully assessed and protected.
The main aims of the course are to enable delegates to keep up to date with latest legislation and ask the experts’ advice on their own situation.
3 June 2014: Dust Explosions: How to demonstrate DSEAR/ATEX Compliance
This course gives an introduction to the subject and the simple measures that can be taken to reduce the hazard of a dust explosion.
It includes a brief overview of current legislation and the safety precautions required to demonstrate compliance and provide a safe working environment for employees.
Course topics include:
• UK dust explosion statistics, with a brief look back at reported dust explosion and fire incidents over a 10 year period
• What is an explosion? - The fundamentals of dust cloud combustion and how a primary explosion can lead to a devastating secondary explosion
• Standard explosion tests and how the results are used to prevent ignition occurring and in the design of protection systems
• Generic vs. actual test data and the importance of understanding a material’s explosion and ignition properties
• Hazardous area zoning (20, 21 and 22) following the latest standard BS EN 60079-10-2:2009, Classification of areas — Combustible dust atmospheres
• Fundamentals of DSEAR risk assessment, with an overview of the essential elements needed to make it full and sufficient for the risk being assessed
• Dust explosion prevention methods
• Dust explosion protection methods, including explosion isolation, and options for making the workplace safe
