Risks in drying combustible materials

Unless properly operated, dryers for combustible materials can pose the risk of loss of life or injury to one or more employees.

If dryers are not properly maintained and cleaned for several years, deflagration may result in the payload area as can be seen in the photos.

In extreme cases, the deflagration may be so powerful as to destroy the dryer. 

The power of the explosion can be so high that oven components, sometimes weighing several hundred kilograms, are flung across the production area to pose a life hazard to staff.

Irrespective of articles §25 (Infringement) and §26 (Criminal offense) of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety which regulates non-compliance with required, periodic inspections, employee safety should be a primary concern. 

You will find further information on currently applicable standards, ordinances and regulations on the Standards and Ordinances page.

The responsible employers’ liability insurance association will also be able to provide the necessary information. VBG, the agency that provides statutory accident insurance cover at workplaces will give you details about Occupational Health and Safety regulations BGR 500 Chapter 2.28 which deals with “Operating dryers for coating materials”.

The Federal Ordinance on Industrial Safety (abbreviated in German as BetrSichV) which deals with the full scope of existing statutory regulations in Germany can be found in the web pages of the Federal Ministry of Justice.