Fires and explosions in industries result in loss of billions of dollars every year and the value of life lost in such accidents cannot be expressed in monetary terms. Industrial fires cause severe damage to life and property, but there are certain steps that you can take to minimise their possibility.
Most of the managers and employees are not aware of the risks surrounding them at the workplace. The most important thing is to know their cause, how they start, how to prevent such accidents, and how to control them. If you’re not sure where to start, external health and safety consultants can come to your rescue.
Below Are Common Causes of Fires at Any Plant or Factory and How to Prevent them.
1. Combustible Dust
Often ignored, but lethal, combustible dust is the direct or indirect contributor towards fires at any industry like pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper plants, furniture manufacturing, metal factories, etc The reason is that metals, dyes, chemicals, etc. which are not combustible in larger pieces, easily catch fire when in dust form. These fires often begin with a small blast that causes the surrounding particles to become airborne, resulting in a secondary non-containable explosion. Though small, these particles have the capability to take down entire facilities.
How to Prevent?
- Check for dust residues in open spaces regularly
- Avoid any open flames (including smoking)
- Collect dust properly
- Implement a dust inspection and control program
- Use cleaning methods that do not produce dust clouds
2. Hot Work
Welding and torch cutting are usually considered as hot work but any activity that involves open flames or produces heat like grinding, soldering, etc is dangerous. Sparks and molten material have the tendency to travel to and ignite areas where combustible dust is present.
How to prevent?
- Avoid Hot Work – If there is an alternative present and hot work can be avoided, do it.
- Personnel Training – Give proper training to the workers. They should realise their responsibility in keeping the plant safe. They should understand the risks involved with hot work and use proper safety equipment to prevent such accidents.
- Proper Supervision – A supervisor should always be present on the floor to ensure that all the safety measures are being practised.
3. Machinery Fires
Improper use, installation, or maintenance of factory machinery and equipment is also a major cause of industrial fires, especially for hot work machinery. The best example is a furnace which is not properly installed. A mechanical component can also become a fire hazard because of production of heat due to friction.
How to prevent?
- Awareness – Employees should be aware of the risks involved with the machinery they use. They should be properly trained about what to watch out for and what to do if they find something out of place.
- Proper Cleaning – You should always keep your equipment and its surroundings clean, especially electrical equipment covered with grease or dirt. Proper cleaning will ensure that if a fire starts, it won’t have enough fuel to sustain.
4. Electrical Hazards
Industrial fires are also caused because of exposed wiring, overloaded outlets, overloaded circuits, not-upto-code wiring, etc. These components can produce a spark that can easily ignite combustible dust and other flammable liquids and gases.
How to Prevent?
- Unplug equipment when not in use
- Don’t overload equipment and circuits
- Avoid exposed wiring
- Avoid extension cords
- Ensure proper cleaning of the floor
- Provide general and job-specific safety training to employees working in hazardous environments.
Final Thoughts
It is very important to understand the cause of industrial fires to stop them. Although such causes cannot be eliminated completely, a proper fire safety risk assessment should be able to find out the potential risks present at your facility. It is the responsibility of the management and employees to be aware of and know how to keep their work area safe