"workers were carrying out maintenance work...."

 

Controlling ignition sources from combustible materials is a challenge in our aluminium plants. Engineering controls is the primary tool in preventing ignition sources and combustibles from interacting. Unfortunately, maintenance workers and contractors can be a source of ignition that is challenge to control. Here is a recent incident highlight the hazard associated with maintenance work.

 

A fire broke out this afternoon in the aluminium plant in Europe, the company of produces aluminum profiles. The flames affected the roof of the structure, where it seems that some workers were carrying out maintenance work. Three vehicles from the local firefighters promptly intervened on the spot and put out the fire and made the area safe.

 

We are ecstatic that no one was injured in this incident. This is a perfect story to use a toolbox talk for the maintenance department. Illustrating the potential hazard of activities that the maintenance department performs. Ignition sources can come from a spark (from grinding), welding, or electrically. It is important that maintenance workers are educated on what activities have the potential for a production an ignition source. It is these tasks or procedures that should be highlighted to ensure that sparks are controlled and contained. Also, it should be noted that areas where maintenance workers performed such tasks should be inspected afterwards, and 10-20 after the task is completed to ensure that a spark is not slowly igniting a combustible material. Why? Because there have been numerous incidents where a combustible material is ignited long after a maintenance worker(s) departed the area. Just a thought.

 

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