Biobased raw materials generate dust during nearly every stage of handling: milling, grinding, fibre opening, conveying, drying, storage, and blending. This dust is not just a housekeeping issue—it is intrinsically combustible.
Mitigating these hazards requires a layered, engineering-led approach following well established hierarchies of control:
- Effective containment to avoid dust releases from processes and regular housekeeping to remove dust deposits from work areas, reducing risks of secondary explosions
- High-efficiency dust extraction at every point of material handling.
- Ignition source management – correct specification, installation and inspection of process equipment.
- Explosion relief panels, suppression bottles and isolation valves.
Dust explosions and fire hazards are not fringe risks, they are well documented, scientifically established dangers inherent to the organic nature of these materials. As use of biobased feedstocks grows rapidly worldwide, safety strategies must evolve in parallel.
Neither should the health hazards of bio-based materials be overlooked – dust exposure can lead to respiratory injury (traditionally known as ‘farmers lung’ or ‘grain fever’) and occupational asthma. CoSHH assessments must be carried out and the appropriate control measures employed.
A safe biobased future depends on acknowledging these risks, investing in proper engineering controls and ensuring the workforce understands the realities behind “natural” materials. Sustainability and safety are not competing goals—they are co-requirements for the next generation of greener technologies.
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