POWER May 2010 - 60

PLANT SAFETY
the vapors of an ignitable liquid without the
production of damaging pressure. (Source:
Definition from NFPA 654 - proposed.)
■ Explosion: The bursting or rupture of an
enclosure or a container due to the development
of internal pressure from a
deflagration. (Source: NFPA Glossary of
Terms-NFPA 69.)
■ Implosion: The rapid inward collapsing of
the walls of a vacuum component or device
as the result of failure of the walls to
sustain the atmospheric pressure. (Source:
NFPA Glossary of Terms-NFA 86.)
Much emphasis has been placed on explosions,
and they should be of great concern to
anyone who manages combustible dusts of
any kind. But in our business of using coal
to generate electricity, we also must concern
ourselves with flash fires. The reality is that
flash fires are likely to occur more often than
explosions as a result of the methods used
during housekeeping or maintenance.
Implosion is also a danger. It's amazing how
people will gather to watch an old building
come tumbling down. Sometimes implosion is
used to intentionally destroy buildings to control
the debris better. In a coal-fired power plant, the
opening of dust collectors, crushers, and mills
are a few examples of " containers " that under
the right conditions-such as when smoldering
coal is contained within-can implode once a
doorway or other opening is breached with oxygen/air.
All too often a devastating result occurs
and affects fire department personnel who are
unfamiliar with the equipment, coal, and the inherent
hazards of both.
The conclusions that the authors of America
Burning came to are the same ones we reach
when we discuss coal. That is, the frequency
and severity of coal fires do not result from a
lack of knowledge of the causes, means of prevention,
or methods of suppression, but rather
because we fail to adequately apply and fund
known loss-reduction strategies.
Strategies for Improving
Combustible Dust Management
Together, OSHA's NEP on combustible dust
and the PRB Coal Users' Group's work provide
a solid foundation for improving combustible
dust management. What follows are
some necessary overarching guidelines.
Collect and Analyze Fire Protection
Information. The continuous and complete
collection of data and, more importantly, the
analysis of information that identifies solutions
that prevent harm when placed into action are
so important yet so often incomplete. It has
been said that one is more likely to hear about
the " big boom " than the many " flashes " that occur.
We must be attentive and take actions that
address flashes and other events that may seem
less significant but that in reality are possible indicators
of future hazardous incidents.
Create a Political Action Infrastructure.
There must be organized and coordinated initiatives
at the federal, state, and industry levels
that strive to identify overall problems, establish
reasonable solutions, and make things happen.
Unlike many other social and economic issues
that have coordinated national representation,
fire and safety often receive extensive attention
only following a major event involving personal
injuries and/or property damage.
Some argue that combustible dust is a
safety and health issue, while others insist it
is a fire issue, but it is both. Representatives
of the relevant governmental agencies must
recognize this simple fact, work in harmony,
and collaborate with industry so that together
these different groups can identify and implement
a clear and effective course of action.
Change the Cultural Orientation.
Some of the most critical factors to consider
are the attitudes, behaviors, and values of
companies, plants, and individuals related to
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POWER May 2010

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