Combustible dust related explosions and fires are a global problem that occurs on a daily basis across a wide spectrum of industry where the dragon does not differentiate between borders. In conjunction with combustible dust events, many facilities in the manufacturing sector are restructuring in conjunction with plant shutdowns and ensuing layoffs.

This economic condition in a majority of instances is unpreventable especially due to current global energy supply and demand considerations. Yet the occurrence of combustible dust explosions and fires which will totally destroy a facility can be minimized through proactive preventative administrative and engineering “best practices” mitigative measures.

Several weeks ago the Dongwha Patinna fibreboard plant in Tutura, New Zealand experienced a combustible dust explosion in the duct work leading to the dust collector in which a worker was severely burned from the rapidly expanding fireball exiting an open access door.

Could this accident been prevented if the plant management or worker had proper training on the hazards of combustible dust? This is a very subjective question but any sort of training regarding the hazards of combustible dust might of reduced the severity of the accident.

PowderHandling.com.au, which offers a comprehensive online directory of suppliers and equipment in the New Zealand and Australia markets will be presenting a Combustible Dust Prevention and Mitigation seminar as part of their PowderHandling eductional series.

Guest speakers will be sharing their extensive knowledge of dust collection systems used in the powder and bulk materials handling industries in conjunction with risk assessment, management and innovative technologies in the prevention and mitigation of combustible dust explosions/fires.

The Dust Control / Dust Explosion seminar will be held at the Old Government House in Parramatta, NSW on Wednesday, 24th September 2008 , between 9.00am to 5.00pm (Registration from 8.15am). Cost is $299 plus GST. Seating space is limited at Lachlan’s in Parramatta Park. So make your reservations early.

Training on the hazards of combustible dust will go a long way in slaying the dragon. Don’t become a statistic like the 23 unfortunate workers at the SC Transilvania Industry wood processing factory in Gheorgheni, Romania. Where an explosion of a sawdust drier and silo wracked havouc last Saturday (July 27. 2008)

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Global Combustible Dust Explosions/Fires