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BC mill inspections to continue
B.C. Jobs Minister Pat Bell says forest companies need to do more to clean up combustible wood dust and said the government will encourage that by continuing inspections by WorkSafeBC.
November 23, 2012 By John Tenpenny
Bell was responding to a Vancouver Sun story this week that reported a second phase of WorkSafeBC inspections found hazardous levels of dust in 48 of 83 forestry plants.
He said the province is taking the issue seriously after two deadly explosions at sawmills this year.
“I’m expecting we are going to see improved compliance on the part of mills as the inspections continue,” said Bell, who has responsibility for labour and WorkSafeBC. “I think there are better operators and worse operators – no question about that. That’s what the inspections are for.”
Bell said the forest industry is committed to addressing the risk of fire and explosion associated with wood dust.
“In any discussions I have had with CEOs, they have all pledged to me their sincerity to get this dealt with,” he said. “But obviously, they need to do more still to deal with what’s (wood dust) been found.”
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The latest featre from Canadian Forest Industries magazine discusses in more depth how sawmills can mitigate dust explosion. Click here to read the article.
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