Green Wood Dust as Likely to Explode- Says WorkSafe
"WorkSafeBC has recently received laboratory test results that conclude that both beetle-kill and green wood* dust pose a high risk of explosion when the moisture content of the dust is below 5 percent and particle size is less than 75 μm (micrometers)*. Dust with this moisture content and particle size is found on elevated surfaces such as rafters, beams, inside dust collectors, and on the surface of air separation systems as well as in hot dry environments such as process equipment and light covers."
In this case, WorkSafe considers trees that were living before being harvested as "green".
Direction has previously been issued to industry regarding the importance of rigorous dust management procedures and WorkSafeBC is currently engaged in a multi-phase inspectional program. Phase 1 saw the inspection of all sawmills in the province processing either green or beetle-kill wood. Phase II, which began in July, expanded the inspectional program to include other wood processing operations such as pellet and planer mills where dust accumulation could be a safety hazard. Phase III will expand to industries that generate dust from wood and other sources; this would include workplaces that manufacture rubber, aluminum and sugar, for example.
Comments
Well they had to send dust samples to a lab to discover this? Dust explosions aren’t new as a matter of fact when a mill does fire training dust explosions are on the agenda.
Greenwood dust with less than 5% moisture? Are you kidding me? If that tree has 5% moisture when it was cut it definately wasn’t green.
Mills kiln dried lumber target is around 19% moisture content. Less than 19% moisture is considered dry not green.
If you google moisture content of green wood…you’ll discover wood that is considered dried and seasoned is at 20% moisture content. Doesn’t Worksafe know this? Maybe they need to study up a little more? Or is this article error ridden?
I think they’re refering to the moisture content of the dust as opposed to finished lumber. I would think that sawdust dries out quite a bit quicker sitting up in the rafters where it gets hot….
@mercenary, then it’s not green anymore it’s dry. Now maybe they are trying say none beetle killed pine sawdust that is dry is just as explosive as beetle killed sawdust.
To make it easy, just Google “explosive dust”
The Facts about it where known for Ages,why is the WCB revealing this like it would be a new discovery!
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