Burning wood waste can have disastrous consequences for any woodworking company.

As the nation's demand for construction and renovation projects soared during the pandemic, the woodworking industry found itself quite busy. As the industry continues to grow rapidly, companies should now take the time to ensure that they properly manage their risk exposure. In particular, since the existence of the industry, wood waste has been plagued woodworkers because it is a source of fire hazards and respiratory diseases. Taking the time to resolve this exposure can save woodworking companies from employee illnesses and injuries, costly losses, and reputational damage.

What is wood waste? Wood waste is a by-product of woodworking operations and can come from a variety of sources, including sawing, cutting, and milling. Unfortunately, year after year, we see woodworking companies’ fire losses due to the accumulation of sawdust, wood chips and bark. There are many reasons for these losses. In some enterprises, we see the accumulation of wood chips and ordinary dust, which tend to dry out as they accumulate and form layers. Any increase in dryness will increase flammability and may cause the fire to spread rapidly. This risk is often difficult to avoid because dust may accumulate in elevated spaces, around commonly used machinery, and in almost any type of woodwork performed in factories. We have also seen fires caused by spontaneous combustion of wood waste piles. Manage your risk Fire losses are often tens of millions of dollars. A costly loss like this can be a major setback for any business. With this in mind, here are some safety best practices to limit fires in your woodworking facilities: 1. Install a dust collection system: A good dust collection system can greatly improve the safety of woodworking enterprises. In small businesses, portable dust collectors are usually sufficient, but in large enterprises, outdoor cyclones are often required. For those facilities that produce smaller wood particles, a bag filter system with spark detection can also be recommended. The spark detection system uses infrared detectors to identify any sparks moving through the piping system. This will trigger the downstream water nozzle to extinguish the spark before it reaches the collector and causes a fire. Automatic dust collection systems are an important step in reducing the risk of fire because they can minimize dust accumulation. 2. Regular maintenance: The dust removal system is important, but it will not be effective without proper maintenance. We have seen companies have the most advanced bag filter systems with spark detection, but due to lack of maintenance, these systems cannot work as expected in the event of a fire. In other words, routine preventive maintenance inspections should be scheduled and performed to avoid this problem. The system control panel should be visually checked daily to ensure that the system is in normal operating mode. Any sawdust that has accumulated on the infrared detector should be removed, and the water nozzle and filter should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 3. Develop a housekeeping management plan: woodworking companies should carry out daily cleaning of wood waste. At the end of the day, managers should set aside time for end-of-shift cleaning or make night cleaning plans to avoid the accumulation of wood waste. At the end of the week, more comprehensive clean-up work should also be arranged. In addition, the elevated fixtures, walls and ceiling areas around the equipment should be cleaned regularly with vacuum equipment approved for use in combustible dust environments. 4. Maintenance of waste wood: As part of the house management plan, proper maintenance of any waste wood pile should be given priority. Once the wood waste is removed from the building, business owners and employees should continue to exercise caution. It is important for business owners to avoid piles of sawdust, wood chips, bark or mulch, and any general piles near the building. Wood waste releases its own heat when it decomposes, which may cause fires due to spontaneous combustion. We recommend keeping bulk piles at least 100 feet away from the sawmill and at least 50 feet away from any other buildings. The bulk piles should be rotated regularly to reduce internal heat build-up, and temperature probes should be used to check for any fire risks. 5. Follow safety guidelines: Maintaining electrical and heating systems is a key part of facility safety, but companies should also follow other guidelines. These measures include consistent implementation of safe smoking policies, including proper disposal of cigarettes, and ensuring that employees follow proper hot work fire safety procedures, including obtaining relevant hot work permits. Ensuring employee safety In addition to these property protection measures, woodworking business owners also want to ensure that they provide a safe operating environment for their employees. When employees may have allergies or respiratory reactions in dusty and high-concentration environments, they should wear dust masks or respirators. Facing new business challenges almost every day, it is important for woodworking facility owners not to ignore more traditional risk exposures. Although wood waste is a risk that threatens woodworking companies for many years, business owners can take steps to protect their businesses. To assess the risks that threaten your business, including wood waste, etc., please contact your insurance company or manufacturer. A good insurance company specializing in timber niche business will have a loss control team whose members can assess the unique risk exposure of your facility and provide tips to help you reduce risk. Simple but customized techniques like this can help companies greatly reduce their risk exposure and protect the company for the future.

Biography: Michael Culbreth, Logging Mutual Insurance Company of Pennsylvania, is a loss control services consultant in Inman, South Carolina. He joined PLM in 2002. He protects businesses in areas such as North Carolina and South Carolina. You can contact Michael at mculbreth@plmins.com or call 267-825-9146.

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