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November 2018
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World Cement
The common misperception is that the materials that
are utilised within a process area are non-flammable.
Although the assumption is correct for the end
product, explosive atmospheres still exist within the
process of the raw materials.
Within the quarrying, drying and grinding,
kiln heating, and packaging or storage, cement
manufacturing has multiple steps within the process
that release fine powder and dust within the
environment. Because of the multi-stage process,
cement manufacturing yields potential for both
primary and a secondary explosive atmosphere. The
primary hazardous condition exists directly around
machinery that may release fine particles and dust
within a general area – also called a dust cloud. In
the event this cloud becomes explosive due to the
fire triangle, a secondary explosive atmosphere
could exist. The secondary explosion takes place
due to the release or movement of settled dust
material that is on the ground or around machinery.
Once the settled material is dispersed in the air,
the initial explosion uses the new material as fuel,
causing a compounding explosive pressure within
the environment. Secondary dust is common around
electrical machinery, conveyer belts, facility walls,
and/or roofs.
WC:
What are some types of the biggest training
challenges for hazardous locations?
AC:
For in-depth hazardous area training, Eaton
uses a three pillar model that integrates classroom
setting for theoretical content delivery, hands-on
laboratories that allow customers to immerse
themselves into technical design, installation
practices and troubleshooting scenarios, and
interactive application environments that enable
advanced technical competency through simulated
applications. Within the combination of these three
pillars, individuals increase situational awareness
and competency. These approaches to training
enable true competency development, aligning
to the challenges that cement manufacturing
professionals face every day. Additionally, Eaton
training focuses on global codes and standards,
as well as industry association best practices,
ensuring its comprehensive technical content is
applicable no matter the location of the cement
process. The primary goal and focus of all training
programmes is to simplify design and installations,
mitigate common challenges, and increase and
protect personnel that interact with electrical
systems.
WC:
What are some of the common misconceptions
in hazardous area training?
AC:
There are a multitude of challenges presented
within a harsh and/or hazardous environment.
Perhaps the most important is to understand and
recognise the hazard, ensuring that work plans
include consideration of the presence of combustible
material. The primary concern is maintaining safety.
WC:
What are the advantages of hands-on training?
AC:
Proper training and certification can
significantly reduce the potential for catastrophic
events, helping to keep everyone involved in
hazardous area design, installation, maintenance,
and management safe.
By providing online training programmes, along
with specialised training in technology centres,
Eaton helps both present and future engineers
gather knowledge to meet design and application
needs to ensure electrical workplace safety.
Education is crucial to develop in-depth problem
solving skills, expand experience, enhance workplace
efficiency, and gain valuable material handling
knowledge.
Our training programmes vary from inspections
and installation practices to maintenance and
inspection of specialised equipment designed for
hazardous environments, such as process control,
power distribution, and life safety equipment.
One aspect of training that is often overlooked is
the difficulty of gaining onsite access to operational
equipment for hands-on training. Through
Eaton’s experience in working with a wide range
of companies across multiple markets, we have
seen a growing need for personnel to access real
products first-hand within a safe, controlled learning
environment that mimics energised applications.
Live application training offers hands-on training
in true-to-life environments. Learning techniques
for real-world maintenance and troubleshooting of
electrical systems is an advantage for all levels of the
workforce, benefitting those beginning their careers
in the industry, allowing them to see and touch real
products before entering the plant environment,
as well as offering those currently in the workforce
with a desire to expand their capabilities the
opportunity for advancement within the business,
staying up to date on new technologies within the
industry.
WC:
What classes does Eaton offer for hazardous
training?
AC:
Eaton understands the challenges within
hazardous areas. Eaton’s Experience Centers,
located in Pittsburgh, Houston, and Atlanta in the
US, as well as Australia, Singapore, South Korea,
and Saudi Arabia, offer a wide range of training
courses for industry codes and standards, products,
and solutions for the cement industry, along with
a variety of other markets. The Experience Centers
offer customers the unique ability to experience