FrieslandCampina’s business group ‘Ingredients’ has production sites that manufacture milk powder or lactose products. The powders are produced using hot air from liquid milk products. Powders, such as milk powder, have the potential to cause a dust explosion. FrieslandCampina wanted to start a program to map out the measures for all its production sites and estimate the investment needed for anti-explosion measures.

By discussing the issue with the technical experts at the start, an understanding of the matter was formed. Subsequently, all production sites were visited to understand the issues, and maintenance and plant managers were interviewed. The issue cannot be easily captured in a clear-cut way. Therefore, a universal model was developed that allowed each production facility to describe the necessary measures, supported by a standard. Additionally, a risk analysis was carried out, and the necessary measures were prioritized (high, medium, low). This formed the basis for a universal overview of all production facilities, the measures, the required investments, and the priorities (where should investments be made first to address the highest risks?).

The development of a universal model, bringing together all available expertise within FrieslandCampina, and extensive discussions with all production sites led to an effective program for implementing anti-dust explosion measures.