Combustible dust key focus of new online training platform

A new, free e-learning platform for operators has been launched by the Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC) and the BC Forest Safety Council. This new program includes a combustible dust and gas training module, which covers information on the fundamentals of combustible dust and gas, ignition sources, explosion protection, risk management programs, emergency preparedness, and more. Jeff Mycroft of Fike Canada Inc., manufacturer of explosion protection equipment, provided his expertise and informative resources.

Combustible dust is the leading hazard in wood pellet plants, which presents the risk of fire and deflagration, as well as combustible gas generation. Plant operators play a key role in managing this risk to ensure the safety of the facility and personnel.

The platform also includes other important modules developed in collaboration with subject matter experts and senior operators across Canada including plant operation, upset conditions and process safety management. It also includes videos, print resources and built-in knowledge assessments for plant operators and supervisors.

Click here to visit and register for this state-of-the-art e-learning platform and watch the 15-minute webinar recording here to learn how the new platform works. Registrants receive certificates of completion for each of the modules.

The training modules are also relevant across the broader wood products sector and other manufacturing plants that handle combustible dust such as chemical products, and food and beverage processing. WPAC gratefully acknowledges partial funding for the project from WorkSafeBC through a Small Initiatives Grant.

Kayleigh Rayner Brown, MASc, P.Eng., is a process safety specialist and director at Obex Risk Ltd. with expertise in hazard analysis and combustible dust. She collaborates with the wood products manufacturing industry to enhance safety using new approaches and innovations.