Focus Article - How NFPA 61 Can Help You Manage the Risk of Fires and Explosions
Fire and explosion incidents in the agricultural and food processing industry, reported during the last three years indicate that the number of incidents is trending upward. The percentage of reported fire and explosion incidents has also increased from an average of about 32% of the total incidents reported in 2016 and 2017, to an average of over 44% in the last three years. The lion’s share of these fires and explosions have occurred in the grain industry, although the food industry reports significant numbers, as well. This article will address these trends and the factors that are driving them. Practical measures to reduce the risk of fires and explosions in grain dryers, product storage bins and silos, as well as bucket elevators will also be addressed.