"aluminum dust flare at factory 1 worker injured...."

 

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: