Aluminum and magnesium metal shavings... probably caused the fire

The generation of shavings, dust, and fines is commonplace in many of our plants. The generation can come from machinery or through processes. Regardless, the accumulation of this byproduct needs to be addressed on a regular scheduled basis. The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog has posted past incidents where accumulations of fines in ventilation equipment caught fire. Here is a recent story:

A ventilation fan at an aluminium and magnesium foundry caught fire one morning during the week of September 25, 2016, but was extinguished before substantial damage occurred, officials said.

There was visible fire in the fan when 911 was dialed at about 11:45 a.m., company president said.

No one was injured and all 32 employees evacuated the building, company president said.

The building is about 400 feet long and 120 feet wide. The fan that caught fire was near the back, company president said.

Crews used a dry powder extinguisher to put out the fire, which is believed to have come from combustible metals, said local Fire Department assistant fire chief.

Aluminum and magnesium metal shavings go up into that ventilation fan and probably caused the fire, local fire department assistant fire chief said. The fire was under control at about 12:15 p.m., he said.

The APSB commends the casting company for immediately contacting the local ems department when the fire was found. Many times companies will wait, or hesitate on calling in emergencies. Any delay can have disastrous results. We are glad that no workers nor firefighters were injured in this incident. 

The Aluminium Times magazine had an article about this hazard.

Please comment.