Page 668 - Dust Explosions in the Process Industries

Research and Development 635

adequate formal safety management systems. Various aspects of safety management
were discussed in a series of papers presented at an international symposium organized
by the European Safety Management Group (2001). Barth (2001) emphasized the impor-
tance of companies establishing systems for explosion risk management control to ensure
effective, long-lasting explosion protection of their plants. He outlined possible stmc-
tures of such systems. With particular reference to the pharmaceutical industry, Hesener,
Barth, and Dyrba (2001) underlined the need for having adequate systems for explosion
risk management and control even in small and medium-size plants.

9.3.1 0
COSTS OF EXPLOSION PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

Alfert (1996) addressed the issue of the bottom-line costs of various dust explosion pro-
tection systems offered on the market. Considerable gains can result if measures to
increase the inherent safety of the process plant are combined with traditional measures
for dust explosion prevention and mitigation. However, this requires that the specific
expertise covering traditional explosion prevention and protection be combined with inti-
mate knowledge of the process to be protected.
Janssens (2001) pointed out that the investment required to achieve proper prevention
and control of the explosion hazard in a given plant is not necessarily excessive. By com-
bining thorough knowledge of the processes to be protected, ignition and flame propa-
gation phenomena, and the principles and technologies available for explosion control,
good solutions can be obtained at an acceptable cost.

9.3.1 1
NEW EUROPEAN UNION LEGISLATIONTO PREVENT
AND MlTlGATE ACCIDENTAL EXPLOSIONS

Radandt (1996a) outlined the new European Union (EU) framework of Qrectives for gro-
tection against accidental explosions, based on the Articles 1OOa (minimum require-
ments to products and equipment) and 118a (minimum requirements to the use of
products and equipment at work) of the European Union Treaty. Radandt (1996~)dis-
cussed the structure of the new European Union system of standards for preventing and
mitigating dust explosions, based on the EU Directives 89/392 and 94/9. Grass (1999a)
outlined the implications of the European Union Directive 94/9/EC (“Atex 1OOa”) on
apparatus design standards for preventing and mitigating accidental dust explosions.
Grass (1999b) described the European Union Directive “Atex 118a” as the “social coun-
terpart” t~ the “Atex 1OOa” Directive. “Atex 118a” lays down minimum requirements for
the safety and health of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres, includ-
ing explosive dust clouds. Central issues include area classification, written instructions
and permits to work, and programs for training workers. Ehlers (1996) summarized the
positive and negative impacts of the new European Union system of standards and
guidelines for preventing and mitigating dust explosions in the process industries, as
observed from a food producing company. Hattwig (1996) summarized the work per-
formed to develop new standards for dust explosion prevention and mitigation in