Fire Risk Assessments
There are two main studies that OTECSA carry out, in relation to fire and explosion risks on sites:
– DSEAR Risk Assessments, the bulk of our work in this area falls into this category.
– Fire Risk Assessments, you will undoubtedly have one of these for your workplace, no matter where you work.
Fire Risk Assessments are required at any workplace, including office locations whereas DSEAR only applies when flammable or combustible materials are handled.
During DSEAR Risk Assessments the main focus is on flammable atmospheres – where there could be vapour or dust concentrations in air capable of fires or explosions. DSEAR also touches on a lot of the same general areas of risk covered in fire risk assessments listed below.
Fire Risk Assessments look at general fire safety, safe storage of materials, segregation, fire protection systems and equipment, escape routes and management of fire safety information.
There is however a subset of fire risk which we believe could easily fall between the cracks of these two assessments. Often in equipment, where combustible material could build up and cause fire loading risk, a general fire risk assessment would not delve this deeply.
A DSEAR Risk Assessment may also miss this because of the lack of dust ‘cloud’ being generated. In the recent past we have seen at least two instances where this type of risk has led to fires on sites, resulting in equipment damage and production downtime. Often we are asked to come in post event and assess the ongoing risk in such situations, and asked to provide advice on how to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
Areas of particular risk include:
– Inside of conveying equipment, where layers of material could build up, and come into contact with hot surfaces or become the cause of blockages of equipment.
– Inside of dust extraction ductwork, where dust can layer in low spots, leading to significant combustible dust loading. This can pose a secondary explosion risk, if dislodged from an initial event.
So what can we learn from this?
- Make sure if you’re maintaining or inspecting equipment with combustible materials, that the inside of systems is properly maintained and cleaned to avoid build up.
- Ensure your dust extraction systems are regularly tested (see HSE HSG 258) AND cleaning of the extract ductwork is possible.
If you are designing a new plant with these features, always try to make sure equipment is accessible for regular maintenance AND cleaning – especially extraction systems which can be at height and hard to reach. You can contact us and we’ll be happy to help with your requirements. Get in touch with us here.