Explosion protection flammable substances

By this directive, which is the 15th individual directive according to article 16 of framework directive 89/391/EEC, minimum requirements for the protection of workers against explosive atmospheres at workplaces have been established [6-22]. It complements the earher EU directive 94/9/EC, which laid down provisions and specifications for devices and protection systems for use in explosive atmospheres [6-23]. In the case of an explosion, fife and health of workers are severely endangered as a result of uncontrolled effects of flame and pressure, the presence of noxious reaction products, and the consumption of the oxygen in the ambient air which workers need to breathe. Explosive atmosphere means a mixture with air, under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the form of gases, vapors, mists, or dusts, in which, after ignition has occurred, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture. 

The worst hazard scenarios (excessive temperature and pressure rise accompanied by emission of toxic substances) must be worked out based upon calorimetric measurements (e.g. means to reduce hazards by using the inherent safety concept or Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC) and protection measures must be considered. If handling hazardous materials is considered too risky, procedures for generation of the hazardous reactants in situ in the reactor might be developed. Micro-reactor technology could also be an option. Completeness of the data on flammability, explosivity, (auto)ignition, static electricity, safe levels of exposure, environmental protection, transportation, etc. must be checked. Incompatibility of materials to be treated in a plant must be determined. 

When a material causes rapid energy release on contact with water, particularly with the release of flammable gases that could result in an explosion, it is recognized as a dangerous substance (as discussed in Section 2.2.4.3). Protective and cautious handling procedures should be used to exclude contact of the substance with water. 

Today, almost everyone works or lives with chemicals and chemical prodncts. Over the centuries man has lived in a chemical age, but especially so during the past several decades. Many of the chemical substances can have deleterious effects on animals, humans, and the environment. These substances are capable of causing physical hazards (e.g., lire or explosion) or health hazards (such as systemic toxicity and chemical bums). Improper use of chemical substances causes a wide range of health hazards. It is the responsibility of the user to evaluate each chemical substance and know its potential to cause adverse health effects and pose physical hazards, such as flammability in the workplace. The manufacturers, importers, and distributors of different chemical substances must be sure that containers of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace are properly labeled with the identity of the chemical and appropriate hazard warnings. In the workplace, each container must be marked with the identity of hazardous chemicals contained in it and must show hazard warnings appropriate for employee protection. 

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