Aluminium dust is relatively harmless in a pile on the ground or on a horizontal surface. It becomes dangerous when that dust pile becomes airborne. A dust cloud that ignites will result in a flash fire if uncontained. If it is contained in some way the ignition of the dust cloud will result in an explosion. We feel that the following incident was a flash fire. This recent incident highlights the hazards associated with the accumulation of aluminium dust/fines.
1 worker was injured in an
aluminum-dust flare that occurred in a factory that produces filters for white
goods and automotive companies in the (location omitted). The small-scale fire
that broke out after the flare was extinguished by the factory staff.
The incident took place at
around 15:00 at a white goods and automotive companies in the (location
omitted). In the part where the automation systems of the factory are located.
As a result, there was a fire. An unnamed worker at the factory was injured
during the flare. Upon being informed, fire brigade and medical teams were
dispatched to the scene. Before the teams arrived at the scene, the fire was
extinguished by the personnel in charge of the factory, and the injured worker
was taken to the hospital by car. An investigation into the incident has been
launched.
We pray that the
injured worker recovers fully from their burns. Aluminium dust/fines for decades
was simply considered a housekeeping issue. Until, fatal incidents occurred
with aluminum fine/dust flash fires. Now our industry and government safety
organizations acknowledge the hazards associated with aluminium dust.
Light Metal Age and The Aluminium Times magazines had articles about this topic. They can be found here:
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