SAFETY
Publication: 0028607 1-29
1
SPARK AND FIRE PREVENTION SAFETY
Figure 1-28
When picking up materials with flash points below 300°F,
it is necessary to take precautions to prevent generating
sparks. Explosion from spark ignition can occur when
picking up an explosive product (solid or gaseous).
Typically, sparks occur from material striking steel or
when metal objects within the material, such as nuts,
bolts, or nails, strikes a steel surface. This is especially
prevalent where bends in the vacuum piping system
occur or inside the collector body when material strikes
the floor.
The suggested way of protecting from such an explosion
is to use abrasive-resistant rubber-lined elbows where a
bend occurs. Line the inside of the material deflector with
a rubber abrasion-resistant material and partially fill the
debris body with an extinguishing liquid, such as water,
so the incoming material does not strike another object,
causing a spark. The entire unit should be grounded, as
described previously, and only static dissipating hoses
should be used. It is essential the truck engine exhaust is
directed away from the blower exhaust silencer to avoid
an explosion caused by the hot gases or a spark from the
engine exhaust.
The vacuum pump exhaust air should only enter the
atmosphere at a minimum of 100 feet away from any
other potential ignition source.
If the environment in which the truck sits has an explosive
gas in the atmosphere, protective measures such as
grounding all engine belts, explosive proof alternators,
voltage regulators, special truck exhaust mufflers, engine
run-away protection devices etc., must be used. Consult
the truck manufacturer for details.
Failure to comply with the recommendation for
spark prevention could result in equipment
failure, personal injury, or death.
All of the above situations are extremely
dangerous, and all precautionary steps must be
taken or else equipment damage, personal injury,
or death could occur. If there is any doubt as to
the material to be conveyed, a complete analysis
must be done prior to vacuuming.
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