A Review and Hazard Assessment of Combustible Paper Dust for Packaging Company XYZ

Abstract

This study was performed to determine if Packaging Company XYZ’s facility was at risk of experiencing combustible paper dust explosions within its paper mill area. The goals of this study included a review of recent fire incidents within the paper machine area, an assessment of current paper dust accumulations throughout the paper mill, the testing of a sample of the facility’s paper dust to determine the baseline explosivity, and a comparison of Packaging Company XYZ’s current documented dust control mitigation measures and procedures against established government regulations as well as industry best practices. Data was collected in the forms of loss figures as a result of recent fires, dust accumulation measurements throughout the paper machine areas, and a controlled explosion of the facility’s paper dust. This data was analyzed and subsequent recommendations for improvement were made. Several issues were identified, including a lack of a formalized written dust mitigation program and a facility dust hazard analysis, as well as significant accumulations of paper dust throughout the paper machine areas. Other areas of concern were also revealed, including the lack of formalized laboratory testing as well as a mis-designated hot-work area that presented an unrecognized risk of fire to the facility. Thus, it was recommended that Packaging Company XYZ update its written dust mitigation program, to perform routine facility inspections which will assist identifying unacceptable dust accumulations, to have samples of accumulated dust formally tested for explosivity risks and to redesignate certain areas of the facility to require hot work permitting activities.