There is a lack of knowledge in the companies about the risk of explosion. This has become apparent from the audits, inspections and accident follow-up of the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, the Directorate for Civil Protection and the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway. The three authorities have therefore prepared guidelines for the regulations.
Does this apply to your company?
Explosion risk is a product of two factors.
- What is the likelihood of there being an explosive atmosphere present, along with a source of ignition? This is often small.
- What are the potential consequences of an explosion? These could be huge.
Examples of activities where explosive atmospheres can occur are the food industry, the feed industry, pharmaceuticals, recycling, heating plants, the chemical industry, coatings, wood processing, the metal industry, workshops, the petroleum industry, and others.
Huge potential for harm
The risk of explosion can occur in any business where flammable gases, vapours, mists and/or dust are present. Explosion protection is crucial for safety, since an explosion can cause major harm to people and material assets through heat radiation, flames, pressure waves, flying fragments, noxious reaction products and oxygen depletion.
Employers are obliged to work systematically and preventively on explosion protection. The work on explosion protection is a continuous process and forms part of the company's other HSE work and management system.