In order for a grain dust explosion to occur, five elements—including fuel, an ignition source, dispersion of combustible dust, oxygen, and confinement—must be present.
The majority of grain dust explosions can be traced back to the bucket elevator. There are three primary ignition sources associated with bucket elevators including:
The belt slipping on the head pulley.
The belt rubbing against
the bucket elevator’s casing.
Overheated bearings.
Hazard monitoring equipment can detect ignition sources from belt slip, improper belt alignment, and overheated bearings on bucket elevators.
Implement the following best practices for working with or around hazard monitoring equipment.
Take the time to locate equipment at your facility that has a hazard monitoring system as well as the locations of the system’s control panel or PLC, and audible or visual alarms.
Verify that the hazard monitoring system is operating correctly before and during the shift. If the system isn’t working
correctly notify your supervisor immediately.
Always shut down equipment when the hazard monitoring system indicates a hazardous condition. While some systems may shut down equipment automatically others may not.
Never bypass the hazard monitoring system or the audible alarm. A dust explosion could result if an overheated bearing or slipping or misaligned belt is not detected.
Keep spare sensors and components on hand for immediate replacement if damage occurs to a sensor or control.
If you or a coworker damage the system conduits, cables, or sensors, notify your supervisor immediately.
Never disregard an alarm or hazardous condition. Always assume that the hazard monitoring system is working correctly.
Routinely test the system according to manufacturer requirements.
Safety doesn’t have to be difficult, simple steps, such as verifying operation of the hazard monitoring system before and during the shift can prevent grain dust explosions.