PLANT SAFETY¦ Conducting a risk analysis is key, as a plant developer should know where ignition sources are in order to design as safe a process as possible. “If you‘re designing a pellet plant, many risks can be designed out of the process,” Forsberg says. “When conducting a risk analysis, important parameters such as the quantity of material being conveyed, particle size, moisture in various sections of the process, temperatures, conveyor diameters, and the capacity of the fans are important to consider.” Once a risk analysis is done, risk zones within the manufacturing process can be located and addressed with proper preventive equipment such spark detection. It’s important to design the extinguishing system in such a way that the process is stopped only in extreme emergencies, Forsberg notes, thus avoiding false positives. “Daylight-sensitive detectors can alarm if a ray of sunlight enters the process, which can cause unnecessary production stops and be costly down the road,” she says. “False positives from sparks that are not dangerous can lead personnel to being indifferent to dangerous detections versus serious detections, so this is another reason it is so important to have a system that only detects the true dangerous particulates.” In terms of meeting hazard regulations, Forsberg says that due diligence is the best path forward. “They should review and understand Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and know the National Fire Protection Association guidelines, however, some of the information is over 5 years old, so researching and understanding common and recent industry standards could be the most important factor in determining the level of fire prevention needed or desired.” Forsberg recommends every facility be aware of and follow the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and what standards/requirements are relevant for each case. The AHJ can be anything from a fire marshal to a building inspector from the local OSHA office. “OSHA has several guidelines for factories that one should be aware of, and the NFPA standards as well,” Forsberg says. “For the biomass industry, be aware of the NFPA 664: Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Wood Working Facilities, or the NFPA 654: Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufac-
turing, Processing and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids.” Insurance companies may also have requirements for housekeeping, design or routines regarding safety and combustible dust, and some might offer free dust-testing. “To be on the safe side and ensure compliance and safe practices, I’d recommend anyone to contact the local OSHA office,” Forsberg says. Overall, spending some time and money on safety and prevention up front can save a pellet manufacturer hundreds of thousands
of dollars down the road. “Worst case is that you know how to act if an accident should occur, and the best case is you have prevented it from happening,” Forsberg adds. “You must be aware of the risks and dangers you’re exposed to in order to prevent them from being a danger.” Author: Anna Simet Managing Editor, Biomass Magazine asimet@bbiinternational.com 701-751-2756
MARCH 2013 | BIOMASS MAGAZINE 23