dust explosion awareness

TAFE raises awareness
of dust explosions

TAFE NSW – Western Institute is working to improve rural Australia’s safety record with the development of a specific training course, Dust Explosion Awareness, aimed at highlighting the risks of a dust explosion.

The recent fire in a wheat silo in Cootamundra has heightened public awareness of the risks involved in handling grain, including the possibility of a grain dust explosion.

The course is delivered on site and runs for about one and a half hours. One of the highlights is a simulated dust explosion conducted with the type of organic dust that occurs at the place of work.

The demonstration of a dust explosion shows dramatically how little dust is required to cause an explosion … it really opens people’s eyes to the damage that can be caused,’ said Neil Milton, teacher in charge, Manufacturing General Section, Western Institute.

According to Mr Milton, the damage from an explosion can be horrific and the damage bill can run into millions of dollars. The risk of injury or death is also high. Whilst there have been several dust explosions in Australia in recent years, fortunately no fatalities have occurred.

Under current Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) legislation employers must ensure that the risks associated with fire or explosion are controlled. An explosion can occur when certain conditions present, including dust in suspension, a confined space such as in a storage area, and a source of ignition such as a spark.

Employees who complete the Dust Explosion Awareness course are made aware of the potential for dusts to explode if all factors are present. They also learn that the removal of just one of these factors will prevent an explosion.

The course is aimed at industries where organic dusts are handled or created. These include any area where grain is handled, stored, milled or used. These may be flour mills, pet food plants or other food processing establishments.

Sugar is also highly explosive in certain environments, and saw mills are also a potential risk area as sawdust can be explosive in certain circumstances.

According to John Chilcott, HR & Safety Manager, Manildra Flour Mills, this course has benefited all employees as well as the company.

‘All staff at Manildra Flour Mills have undertaken this training and are now aware that the grain dust which is present in all wheat ready for milling and also the flour itself can be explosive,’ Mr Chilcott said. ‘We have seen a greater awareness of potential for an explosion to occur, which has resulted in better reporting of hazardous areas. It has also aided in our cleaning program.’

Course participants observe first-hand how little dust is needed for an explosion.

A controlled demonstration of a dust explosion.