Application of inherent safety principles to dust explosion prevention and mitigation

Explosibility of micron- and nano-size titanium powders

“…9 Amyotte restated this phrase as "what you don't have can't explode", in reference to dust explosions. 10 Minimization is a key aspect of reducing the risk involved with dust explosions. It is essential to minimize the amount of combustible dust that could be available in an explosion.…”

“…The amount of fuel available for an explosion can be eliminated or significantly reduced by performing proper housekeeping practices. 1,10 Substitution involves replacing a hazardous material or work procedure with one that is safer. Two examples are: to use an explosion proof vacuum cleaner instead of sweeping dust, or to substitute a combustible dust with a non-explosible powder.…”

“…Two examples are: to use an explosion proof vacuum cleaner instead of sweeping dust, or to substitute a combustible dust with a non-explosible powder. 1,10 Moderation involves reducing the potential severity of an explosion. This includes increasing the particle size of a powder to reduce potential ignition, changing the composition of the dust by admixing inert dust, or controlling the effects of a process upset by spacing out equipment.…”

“…Moderation typically does not prevent an incident from occurring, but instead reduces the effects if such an event should exist. 1,10 Simplification is a method of keeping processes, equipment and information simple. For example, a WHIMIS label indicating a flammable substance can direct the user to a clearly written MSDS where the hazards are properly explained.…”

A quantitative risk management framework for dust and hybrid mixture explosions

“…Since that time, inherent safety has recorded several applications in the process industry (Amyotte et al, 2009). Amyotte et al (2003) defined inherent safety as a proactive approach in which hazards are eliminated or lessened so as to reduce risk without engineered (add-on) devices or procedural intervention.…”