In recent times, ATEX experts have carried out an Explosion Risk Assessment of areas of big-bag container unloading stations and bulk raw material transport and storage installations located in one of the largest confectionery producing plants.
The fundamental task of the explosion risk assessment is to identify the hazards occurring in the analysed areas as well as to estimate the probability of occurrence and persistence of explosive atmospheres and activation of effective sources of ignition.
In the analysed areas, the explosion hazard is mainly due to the presence of combustible and explosive dusts of loose food substances used for the production (e.g. whole milk, cocoa, whey).
In view of the possible creation of a mixture of explosive dusts of the used bulk raw materials with the air, internal and external explosion hazard zones were determined in the area of the analysed production installations.
During the normal operation of the installations, explosive atmosphere will always occur inside the process equipment. Explosion hazard zones in external areas will occur, among others, around openings for loading raw materials to containers at big-bag unloading stations and around all flexible connections.
After assessing the risk, the experts identified possible explosion effects and analysed identified emergency scenarios. In addition, they worked out technical and organizational recommendations aimed at improving safety in the analysed areas of the plant.
SCOPE OF WORKS: preparing an Explosion Risk Assessment for the areas of big-bag container unloading stations and bulk raw material transport and storage installations at the confectionery manufacturer
LOCATION: Poland, Mazovia Province