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Module 5

Damage Control

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Terminal Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this module, participants will be able to describe methods used to prevent or control damage from a combustible dust explosion.

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Enabling Objectives

• Discuss types of damage control systems.

• Discuss emergency response planning.

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Damage Control Systems

• Monitoring/suppressing/eliminating dust

• Various types of systems– Spark ember detection– Extinguishing– Hazards separation/segregation– Deflagration venting– Pressure relief venting– Specialized fire suppression

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Spark Ember Detection

• Eliminate early causes of fires/explosions

• Detects spark/ember IR radiation• Fire prevention method

– Dust collectors– Pneumatic conveying systems

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Spark Ember Detection

• System activates countermeasures– Deluge valves– Abort gates– Alarm systems– Automatic machinery shutdown– Extinguishing devices

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Extinguishing System

• Releases fine mist of water• Sparks/embers extinguished without

interrupting production• Greatly reduces

– Personnel injury– Equipment damage– Downtime

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Hazard Separation

• Isolates combustible dust hazard• Puts distance between dust and

hazard• Implement system during

design/remodeling

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Hazard Segregation

• Used when separation is not possible• Isolates hazard by using a barrier• Implementation without burdening

entire plant/building

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Deflagration Venting

• Controls damage caused by explosions

• Vents release expanding gases• Gases reduce pressure below danger

levels

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Pressure Relief Venting

• Same premise as deflagration venting

• Provides pressure relief to prevent explosions

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Specialized Fire Suppression Systems

• Sprinklers– Most standard form of fire suppression– Heat activated

• Carbon Dioxide– Will not damage electronic equipment– Reduces oxygen levels

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Dry Powder Extinguishers

• Standard/Multi-purpose– Safe for most kinds of fires

• “Knocks down” the flames• Best for fires with flammable

liquids/gases

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Deluge Foam

• System is connected to a water supply– Valve opened by smoke/heat detection

system

• Used in high hazard areas– Chemical storage– Processing facilities

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Emergency Response Planning

• Requires detailed planning• 3 phases of planning

1. Pre-explosion2. Dust explosion3. Post explosion

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Pre-Explosion

• Develop Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

• Take special consideration for combustible dust

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Dust Explosion

• Implement EAP• Evacuate area• NOT incipient fire

– Explosions can be initiated by incipient fire

– Ignited materials can travel

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Dust Explosion

• Incipient fire brigades– Limited training– Typically hose streams– PPE

• Categorized as fully involved fire– Fire department response– Specialized training

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Post-Explosion

• Initiate investigation when safe– Most evidence is destroyed– Only 50% of cases determine cause– Collect any dust samples

• Change in working environment– Paranoia, fear, and stress– Perceived risk– apprehension

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Post-Explosion

• Increased interest– Community– Regulatory industries

• Communication from organization– Public relations– Choosing a speaker

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Post-Explosion

• Resuming normal operations• Recovery

– Rebuilding with safety in mind– Strong leadership/direction needed

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Next Module

Module 6: Facility Dust Assessment