dross fire in trailer....

 

The production, storage and disposal of dross is a hazard many plants fail to acknowledge. Here is a recent incident highlighting this hazard.

 

Firefighters engaged from about 11.30 a.m. in a rest area on the A26 Genova Pra'–Gravellona Toce between Ovada and Masone, southbound. Firefighters intervened to secure a heavy vehicle carrying aluminum debris (in particular smelt slag) and from which smoke began to come out.

The fire brigade is on site with several teams and with the special NCBR unit. Investigations are underway on the actual contents of the truck and the operation of the trailer to understand how to act without risking starting a fire.

After evaluating the scenario, with the company that owns the material, it was decided to cover the material with a sheet. No longer in contact with the rain, the reaction slowly stopped. After checking the temperature of the material with the thermal imaging camera, and confirming that it had returned to normal, the truck was able to resume its journey.

Investigations are carried out into the possibility of an environmental risk. The police are also on site.

No particular traffic problems were reported on the motorway section. Queues, but due to roadworks, between Masone and Ovada to the north and between the A26/A7 junction and Ovada to the south. 

We are thankful no one was injured in this incident. We have reported numerous similar incidents. Almost all the incidents occurred when transportation from the aluminium plant was in an uncovered trailer.

It should go without saying but any transportation of dross from an aluminium plant should be covered. This incident could have either been prevented or minimized if the aluminium plant had on the shipping paperwork "Tarp trailer" or requested an enclosed container.

Please comment.