C
H A P T E R
2
W
O R K I N G
S
A F E L Y
5 0
6 7 0 0 B G
R I N D E R
O
P E R A T O R
S
A F E T Y
M
A N U A L
8 1 7 8 5 C
Fire Prevention and Suppression
The best way to reduce the risk of fire is
to keep the machine clean and well main-
tained. Fire safety is your responsibility.
A clean machine is a safer one.
Wood dust, chips and debris, diesel fuel, gasoline, ether,
hydraulic oil, lubricants, rubber products,and other
materials that burn can all be found on or around a
grinder.
Accumulations of wood dust on the surface of bearing
housings can act as insulation, raising their temperature.
This can result bearing damage and possibly fire.
Completely remove debris on, under, and around the
machine and the conveyors at least once each day or
more often, depending on your operation.
Maintain the muffler and exhaust system to keep sparks
from flying out the stack. Regularly inspect the muffler
and exhaust system for rust spots and leaks. Replace
parts as needed to prevent sparks from escaping.
Welding or torch cutting can be especially hazardous
where woody materials are being reduced in size. While
wearing a welding hood or goggles, you may not notice
smoke and fire until it is large.
Train new employees in fire prevention, fire emergen-
cies, and how to fight a fire on the machine. Regularly
re-train experienced personnel.
Keep fire extinguishers, water trucks, water pump cans,
and other fire systems maintained in good operating
condition and near machine at all times. Keep your crew
up to date on fire training. Inspect fire systems and
extinguishers regularly.
Get training on when and how to use the extinguisher
and the water can from a Fire Safety Specialist.
1
WARNING
Always place personal safety ahead of the need
to extinguish a fire.
1
WARNING
Do not smoke near this machine. Dis-
carded smoking materials can ignite
wood dust, chips, and fluids.
Pre-Startup Fire Prevention
•
Be sure all fire prevention and suppression equip-
ment is ready for use
•
Be sure all personnel are trained in the use of fire
prevention and suppression equipment
•
Inspect the machine and area for fire hazards
Fire Prevention While
Operating
1
CAUTION
Remove combustible materials frequently from
the engine, the exhaust system, bearings, and
other heat sources. Failure to do so can result in
a serious fire.
1
CAUTION
Keep metals out of the feed material. Small metal
objects in the grinder can quickly heat up
enough to ignite woody debris or other feed
materials.
If a hot object passes onto the discharge conveyor, it can
rest within flammable material and smoulder until it
flares into flame.
•
Keep hands away from hot parts
•
Keep a constant watch for hot ignitable materials,
smoke, or other signs of fire around the machine
and the finished product piles
•
Extinguish any fire immediately
•
Bearing parts may be hotter than they appear. If
paint discoloration or smoke appears, do not touch
until bearing cools.
•
Clean up any oil or fuel spills immediately
•
Repair any oil or fuel leaks immediately
•
Repair faulty electrical wiring and battery cables
immediately
•
Do not permit open flames or sparks near ignitable
materials
