What Causes an Industrial Explosion?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2011 and 2015, municipal fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 39,910 industrial and manufacturing fires. One significant hazard to employees working in industrial settings is combustible dust explosions. Often, employees are not aware and a combustible dust explosion can happen at a moment’s notice.
Read on to learn the three ways employers can protect you from being in an industrial fire or explosion.
Employee Protection
As an industrial worker, your employer must provide you with the proper equipment and adequate training to safely perform your job. However, your employer is responsible for identifying risk factors that can contribute to an explosion. As per the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, your employer must control the following to prevent an explosion:
1. Dust
Employers should implement hazardous dust inspections, regular housekeeping, testing, and other dust control programs. OSHA also recommends:
- Using proper dust collection systems.
- Limiting the amount of dust that can come from equipment or ventilation systems.
- Using surfaces that limit dust accumulation.
- Regularly inspecting dust residue in all areas (open and hidden).
- Utilizing cleaning methods that do not create dust clouds.
- Only using vacuum cleaners appropriate for dust collection.
2. Ignition
When it comes to preventing ignition, employers should ensure that the industrial facility is equipped with proper electrical wiring and electrical equipment. OSHA also recommends:
- Controlling static electricity.
- Controlling smoke, open flames, and sparks.
- Controlling mechanical sparks and friction.
- Keeping heated systems dust-free.
- Keeping heated surfaces dust-free.
- Implementing an equipment preventive maintenance schedule.
3. Injury and Damage
To keep industrial workers protected against an injury, all potential hazards should be isolated and distanced. OSHA also recommends:
Isolating and ventilating areas where substances are heated.
- Directing vents away from work areas.
- Implementing fire suppression programs.
- Implementing explosion protection systems.
- Implementing an emergency action plan.
- Keeping all emergency exit routes clear from obstructions.
Injured in an Industrial Explosion? Contact Us Today
Big cases require big resources. Being involved in an industrial fire or explosion can have devastating life-long effects. If you’ve been hurt in an industrial explosion, we are here for you. Our team of experienced attorneys will protect your rights to receive the maxim compensation you deserve. We have a track record of securing results in complex cases for our clients, and we want to do the same for you.
Contact Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC at (502) 244-7772 to learn how we may assist you.