Aluminium Powders Ignite....

The hazards of working with aluminium powder are known throughout our industry. Managing that hazard on a daily basis is a challenge, but the alternative is not acceptable. Here is a story that occurred last month in England of an aluminium powder explosion and resulting fire. After the story will be some information regarding safety when working with aluminium powder/dust. Feel free to send other links regarding dust safety.

Last month a factory worker in England was taken to a hospital when powders were being mixed for aluminium ignited and damaged equipment.

Police said the injured worker was taken to a nearby hospital with "slight injures". Firefighters called out to deal with the incident said the other employees had already been evacuated.

Unfortunately, the news article provided little (or no) information about the root cause of this incident.  In 2010 this same factory had a dust explosion that entered the ventilation equipment (setting it on fire) and the flames proceeded to exit the building. But, unfortunately the flames ignited titanium powder stored in drums in the stockyard. 30 firefighters fought the resulting fire.

Once again this incident illustrates the hazard of working with aluminium powders/dust. The Aluminium Times Magazine has an article this month about dust safety. 

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