Timber iQ August- September 2018 // Issue: 39 | Page 64

CONTRIBUTORS - TALKING TIMBER In light of firefighting techniques, all sources of ignition should be eliminated from the working environment. Continued from page 60 adhesive application. Other methods include using local exhaust ventilation in areas with high chemical vapour concentrations such as manual spraying, rolling and brushing, as well as dip coating and other automated coating processes. Manual spraying and dip coating should be undertaken in separate ventilated areas, using enclosures or capture hoods supplemented by the use of PPE such as masks and respirators. When necessary, workers should have adequate protective clothing to prevent chemical contact with the skin, eyes or via inhalation. Another hazard is dust – wood dust inhalation may cause irritation, asthma, allergic reactions, dusty lungs, as well as nasopharyngeal cancer among wood processing workers. The potential hazard to human health depends on the type of wood being processed, with the wood from some tree species having a more serious potential impact than others, including hardwoods such as oak, beech, teak, walnut, mahogany and birch. Dust exposure should be prevented and controlled through the adoption and maintenance of effective extraction and supplemented by the use of PPE such as masks and respirators, as necessary. Wood products manufacturing, particularly when machining dried wood, may produce fine combustible dust which can be explosive in the air. Where solvents are used 62 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018 // for the application of coatings by spraying, there is a high risk of solvent explosions. Regular housekeeping is needed to ensure that dust is removed from the facility, including a biannual blow down or vacuuming of the entire facility, namely in the roof rafters. One should eliminate all sources of ignition from the working environment, including the elimination of naked flames, such as burner flames, welding or cutting torches, matches, cigarette lighters and heaters. The control of hot surfaces, such as operating internal combustion engines, frictional sparks, heated wires, glowing metals and overheated bearings, is crucial. The control of portable battery-powered equipment, such as radios and mobile phones, is also important. The safe use of certain chemicals, for example, peroxide hardening products which can be self-heating or result in spontaneous combustion, is paramount. Installing spark detection and dousing systems in dust control equipment is key, while electrical grounding of conveyors and dust control systems to prevent the discharge of static electricity is equally critical. Another method used is the utilisation of explosion relief panels on all dust moving equipment and in buildings. Mills and plants should be equipped with adequate and accessible firefighting equipment, including automatic sprinkler systems. Workers should be trained in emergency evacuation procedures as well as first line of attack firefighting techniques.