ACCIDENTS IN SUGAR PLANTS AND THEIR PREVENTION

An author database was compiled in order to determine specific preventive measures for the operation of facilities in the sugar industry. The database contains a list of accidents in these facilities from 1982 to 2018. Preventive measures were subsequently determined by analyzing the causes and types of the accidents. There were 18 deaths, 56 serious injuries and 142 minor injuries during the period considered. The main types of accidents are leakage, explosion, fire, and dispersion. The causes of the accidents were mostly organizational (insufficient process analysis, procedure setting, equipment design or construction error), human factor related (operator error, failure to carry out duties, malicious intervention), external influences (natural events, equipment failure) and other causes. Preventive measures include regular cleaning of premises, use of approved electrical equipment, regular operator training, controlled open-fire system etc. Specific measures for conveying material include slippage detection on the conveyor belt, speed synchronization, power consumption measurement, and regular diagnostics. When designing new equipment, use explosion-proof constructions and install explosion relief or suppression equipment. Leak prevention is provided by regular visual inspections, revisions, installation of leak detection equipment etc.