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Investigation of Grain Elevator Explosions (1981)

Chapter: Investigation of Grain Elevator Explosions - Present Need

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Suggested Citation:"Investigation of Grain Elevator Explosions - Present Need." National Research Council. 1981. Investigation of Grain Elevator Explosions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18489.
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of the panel in November 1978. In each case the physical cause of ignition as well as the course of the explosion were identified with a reasonable degree of certainty. The investigative team, drawn from members of the panel, con- sisted of an explosion expert, a grain elevator expert, a chemical engineer experienced in explosion investigation, and a systems analyst. Based on the panel's experience in investigating explo- sions and the review of the government procedures, the panel concludes that, at present, the process of investigating and reporting grain elevator explosions is undisciplined and unsystematic. The responsibility for investigation is poorly designated and, by and large, qualified personnel are not used. Finally, the information concerning explosions is not available to the interested public. These conclusions are supported by observations made in the recent Department of Agriculture report on grain elevator explosions.* INVESTIGATION OF GRAIN ELEVATOR EXPLOSIONS - PRESENT NEED Although violations of safety codes and regulations represent a hazard in the working environment, it seems clear to the panel that investigations of grain elevator explo- sions based solely on determination of such violations are not sufficient. The panel feels that there is a need, at present, for investigations to determine the total chain of events in an explosion and thus provide a factual basis for recommending appropriate steps to reduce the frequency and severity of elevator explosions. Lack of knowledge obtained from this type of investigation has led in at least one in- stance to restrictive state legislation discouraging the use of effective control technology.** Identification of events leading to a known explosion will provide facts that would help in the selection of preventive measures directly re- lated to real hazards and take into account the practical needs of elevator operation. Knowledge of these events will also serve to convince employees and employers of the hazard- ous conditions that can occur in grain elevators. *Prevention of Dust Explosions in Grain Elevators—An Achievable Goal, A task force report of the USDA, pages 46-47, January 1980, **Laws of the Sixty-Eighth General Assembly (Iowa), 1979 Session; Chapter 12, Agriculture, Economic Development, Energy, Coal Research and Natural Resources (H.F. 734); pp 83; June 10, 1979.

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