Paul Downes
Member
- Messages
- 959
- Location
- Westphalia, Michigan
I don't suppose this is the right place to post this but, I figure it will be seen by more folks here and It can be moved if deemed necessary.
A friend of mine who owns a moulding factory burns the sawdust he produces for heat. We're not exactly sure what happened but apparently he was checking his sawdust furnace because he noticed it smoldering. We think he opened the furnace door causing a fireball to erupt outward. He sustained 1st and 2nd degree burns to his head and arms and is in the hospital on a morphine drip. He is expected to make a full recovery.
I thought it might be good to bring this up for you folks who burn wood to remember to be very careful when opening the door on a furnace when a fire is present. If there are unburnt gases present the added oxygen can cause quite a flash back/fireball. NEVER stand in line with the door when opening it. I always stand behind the door and turn partly away at arms length when I open it. BE SAFE!!
A friend of mine who owns a moulding factory burns the sawdust he produces for heat. We're not exactly sure what happened but apparently he was checking his sawdust furnace because he noticed it smoldering. We think he opened the furnace door causing a fireball to erupt outward. He sustained 1st and 2nd degree burns to his head and arms and is in the hospital on a morphine drip. He is expected to make a full recovery.
I thought it might be good to bring this up for you folks who burn wood to remember to be very careful when opening the door on a furnace when a fire is present. If there are unburnt gases present the added oxygen can cause quite a flash back/fireball. NEVER stand in line with the door when opening it. I always stand behind the door and turn partly away at arms length when I open it. BE SAFE!!