6. Basis of safety from dust cloud explosions
Safety from potential dust cloud explosions could include
taking measures to avoid an explosion (explosion prevention) or
designing facilities and equipment so that in the event of an
explosion people and facilities are protected (explosion protection).
Selection of explosion prevention and/or protection measures
(Bodurtha , 1980; Bartknecht, 1989) is usually based on:
- The availability of information on the sensitivity of the powder
(s) to ignition and the resulting explosion severity
- The nature of the processes and operations
- The level of personnel’s knowledge and appreciation regarding
the consequences of a potential dust explosion and adherence
to the preventive measures
- The environmental effects of a dust explosion
- The business interruptions resulting from a dust explosion
- Safety Culture: The desire to protect personnel and property