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DIRECTORY OF SINGAPORE PROCESS & CHEMICALS INDUSTRIES 2021/2022
EXPLOSION PROTECTION TRAINING IEC 60079 & SS 667
With more work-related injuries and accidents in 2021, the Association has called for an urgent Safety Time Out to encourage member companies to review their risk management processes. ASPRI, together with the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC) worked with TÜV SÜD PSB to organise a webinar on Explosion Protection Training on 23 June 2021.
The webinar aimed to provide insights into the Causes of Explosions, Hazard Identification, Ignition Hazard Assessment, Explosion Protection Classification and Ignition Protection Methods. It was attended by quality managers, safety managers, production workers, and personnel working in hazardous locations.
Mr Balakrishnan Velayudhan, Programme Manager, Additive Manufacturing H&S, TÜV SÜD PSB, kicked off the webinar by introducing Hazard Identification and Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA). He talked about the alarming rate of combustible dust incidents worldwide and why companies should take note of such issues. He discussed the different ways to determine the combustibility of various types of combustible solids. Mr Balakrishnan emphasised that DHA must be performed by competent personnel, and they need to maintain records for the live process.
Next was Dr Zhang Danqing, Head of Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, TÜV SÜD PSB, who touched on SS667, Clause 7, covering Storage requirements. Storage refers to flammable, pyrophoric and water
reactive powders that are intended for the normal need of working stock. She also covered the Requirements for Additional Fire Safety Cabinet in a Working Area. She pointed out that metal powders, which are combustible, have to be kept dry when stored. They should also be stored in closed steel drums or other closed non-combustible materials. In addition, an automatic fire suppression system appropriate for the type of metal powders need to be used.
Finally, Mr Tan Heng Khoon, Product Manager, Electrical and Electronics Centre, TÜV SÜD PSB, spoke on Explosion Protection (EN/IEC 60079). He covered Risk Analysis according to EN 1127 or Ignition Hazard Assessment and identification of hazard pertaining to it. He also touched on Outline of EN/IEC 60079 Requirements for Electrical Equipment. When looking at the requirements, companies need to be aware of a set of labels. He also explained the Ignition Protection Methods based on different atmosphere. Lastly, he noted companies must comply with the International IECEx Scheme for Equipment Manufacturer.
At the conclusion of all three presentations, the webinar closed with a Q&A session. The webinar was attended by over 50 ASPRI and SCIC members.
SAFETY FIRST
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