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DSEAR and wood dust created in a pallet repair premises

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LadyLeila
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DSEAR and wood dust created in a pallet repair premises

Post by LadyLeila »

Hi all

Could somebody possibly help me as I am a bit confused when DSEAR applies.

I have inspected a large pallet yard where they repair/strip/cut up/make bespoke pallets and heat treat them. The kiln is operated with red diesel which is one tank which is bunded, the fork lift trucks are also operated using diesel. They have a simple LEV system in place but it only covers one of the saws and the quantity they repair/make the pallets and there is a considerable amount of wood dust on the floor. They have been informed that they need to have a DSEAR risk assessment carried out based on these issues. I have advised them to install further control measures to control the amount of wood dust such as additional LEV but I do not think they require a DSEAR risk assessment unless anyone could kindly give me their help and point of view I would really appreciate any assistance.

Thank you in advance of your help
Leila
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Alexis
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Re: DSEAR and wood dust created in a pallet repair premises

Post by Alexis »

Hi Leila. :wave:

Just bringing this one back again.

We do have members whom I know can offer assistance. ;)
"A candle loses none of its light by lighting another candle."

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LadyLeila
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Re: DSEAR and wood dust created in a pallet repair premises

Post by LadyLeila »

Thank you I will keep checking to see if some one has been able to help me :D
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Re: DSEAR and wood dust created in a pallet repair premises

Post by Woodie »

Has a fire risk assessment been carried?

There should also be consideration with regards the LEV system which would require looking at and there are many companies out there that will advise accordingly.

A little bit of light reading which may help formulate an answer to your question.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/atex.htm
WIS 6 & HSG 103 will further guide you in the process.

The HSE's take on wood dust (Reference: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis32.pdf) is as follows:

"You should assume that all wood waste is potentially explosive, unless a dust explosion test demonstrates it is not. Wood waste usually has a dust explosion risk where the mean particle size is less than 200 microns, and where as little as 10% of the mixture contains dust less than 80 microns in size. Only weak explosions are likely where the mean particle size exceeds 200 microns".
Truth never damages a cause that is just. GANDHI (1869-1948)

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LadyLeila
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Re: DSEAR and wood dust created in a pallet repair premises

Post by LadyLeila »

HI Woodie

No they do not have a fire risk assessment, very few fire extinguishers, no training of any of the employees and at the time of my visit the inadequate LEV system was not working. They did not have an industrial vacuum cleaner either to get rid of the excess wood dust either.

I will read through all the links you have kindly sent me, but I just wanted to thank you for taking the time and trouble in explaining this to me.

Thanks again Woodie, very much appreciated
Leila
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