Hazard Alert

Chipper Catches Fire – Fines in Manifold Ignite

A contracted chipper operating in the Brooklyn Energy bark yard caught fire. The most likely cause was sawdust and fines that may have ignited after landing on the manifold. The motor and hydraulic pump were burned. There was no damage to the chipper itself.

The employees operating the equipment failed to see the accumulation of material and did not clean around the manifold. There was a contracted grinder working in the same area as the chipper. According to the contractor, the wind was strong and blowing sawdust and fines in the direction of the chipper, which could have been the source along with fines and sawdust from the chipper.

Recommendations to Prevent a Recurrence

Clean debris from around the manifold every couple of hours or sooner if conditions contribute to sawdust and fines accumulating on or near the manifold. Keep grinding and chipper equipment as far apart as practical.