Around the world aluminum dross is either considered as a waste or as a potential revenue stream. The Aluminium Safety Blog has posted stories where dross fires have injured and even killed EMS personnel. Here is the story:
Firefighters were forced to stand back from a giant rubbish fire in the industrial area of Bell Bay, Australia during the week of September 1, 2013 because of fears of a toxic explosion.
Up to 12 firefight units were called to a large fire in a giant mound of tyres (tires) and metals on Mobil Road in the north of the state at about 10 PM.
The possibility of toxins from the blaze kept firefighters at bay. The burning mass was estimated at 50 cubic metres by 100 cubic metres.
A TGS spokesman said there was "a significant danger" of water igniting oxygen inside the pile.
He said the contents of the pile were unknown but could include aluminium dross, a by-product of the aluminium smelting process.
Firefighters were trying to identify the contents of the fire before trying to douse the blaze. The cause of the fire was not known.
The APSB hopes that whoever made the decision not to place water on the fire without knowing exactly what was burning receives a commendation. There is no doubt that decision prevented injuries and possibly saved lives.
There have been too many incidents where water was placed on a dross fire and the resulting explosion have either injured or killed a firefighter.
What does your firm do with your dross?
Please comment.
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