Canadian Biomass Magazine

Author Henry Persson to speak at BC silo fire risks symposium

January 16, 2019
By WorkSafeBC WPAC

Jan. 16, 2019 - WorkSafeBC and the Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC) are hosting a full-day symposium addressing the risks of silo fires.


Focusing on both prevention and response to silo fires, the event is geared for anyone in an industry using silos, bins, bunkers, or other bulk storage vessels. It will also be highly relevant to first responders who may respond to silo fires. 

Why should you attend?
Silo fire prevention and suppression requires a unique approach. Risks include combustible dusts, structural collapse, and smoulders that can result in explosions.

WorkSafeBC and WPAC have secured international expert Henry Persson, author of the seminal Silo Fires – Fire extinguishing and preventive and preparatory measures, to present for the first half of the day. The afternoon will feature local experts from industry and prevention agencies.

Topics include:
· Causes of silo fires and explosions
· Silo firefighting techniques and procedures
· Use of nitrogen and foam injection (including retrofitting silos with nitrogen injection)
· Personal safety
· Fire prevention methods
· First responder training
· Case studies
· Risk assessment and management

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See the final agenda and speaker biographies here

Choose from these two full-day sessions:

Richmond Silo Fires Session – REGISTER
Tuesday, February 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Richmond Westin Wall Centre – 3099 Corvette Way, Richmond, B.C.

This session offers a broad industry focus for anyone using silos and related structures, or responding to fires in these structures. This includes all first responders as well as the agriculture and agri-food sectors (dairy, grain, ranching, etc.), food and beverage production industries, and warehousing (operators at ports and terminals). Afternoon speakers include first responders and WorkSafeBC field specialists providing practical insights on identifying your hazards and implementing controls to reduce your risk.

Prince George Silo Fires Session – REGISTER
Thursday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Prince George Civic Centre – 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, B.C.

This session includes overall silo fire information and practicalities with focused examples from the wood pellet and other forestry related industries. Afternoon speakers include silo operators, first responders, and WorkSafeBC.

Registration is $25 +GST and includes a hot breakfast and lunch.

Questions about these sessions?
Contact Lisa Ross, Lisa.Ross@worksafebc.com or Gordon Murray, Gord@Pellet.org.

 

Keynote Presenter – Henry Persson
Author of the seminal Silo Fires – Fire extinguishing and preventive and preparatory measures, Henry Persson is renowned worldwide as a top expert on silo fires. Henry works at the SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden in the Fire Safety Engineering Department. He has worked for more than 30 years with testing and research, with his main focus on fire and fire safety problems in industry and the fire service, and with fire extinguishing as his specialist field.


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