In addition, students are educated on recognizing Combustible Dust Hazards within the Coal Handling System. The course focuses on the proper techniques to safely extinguish silo/bunker fires, including the use of HCT’s Piercing Rod and F-500 Micelle Encapsulating Agent. The course has been designed to thoroughly train and educate the novice plant employee as well as the veteran, from operations to management.    

Lesson Objectives:

• Understanding the physical characteristics and inherent dangers of working with Powder River Basin (PRB) coal.


• Understanding the contributing factors and chemical reactions that lead to Spontaneous Combustion.


• Education on the PRB Coal properties that differentiate it from other coals.


• The ability to define and identify Combustible Dust:




• Understand the difference between fugitive dust and float dust including the associated hazards.


• Identify and prevent dust build-up.


• Train on the explosion potential of PRB Coal Dust (MEC, Pmax, Kst) including the guidelines and preventative measures necessary to avoid Dust Explosions.


• Understand that a disciplined and proactive approach is needed when dealing with PRB Coal Dust.




• Instruction on the “Ins and Outs” of housekeeping and the relative importance:




• Fixed wash down systems


• Manual wash down systems


• Vacuuming concerns




• Instruction on extinguishing a PRB coal fire according to industry guidelines.


• Training on the different types of fire detection equipment throughout the Coal Handling System, including detection techniques and limitations:




• CO monitors


• Linear Heat Detection


• Thermal Imaging Cameras


• IR Black Body Detectors


• Spot Thermal Heat Detectors


• Smoke Alarms




• Training on the different types of Fire Suppression Systems, their limitations, and associated problems.




• Closed Head


• Open Head


• Spot Thermal Heat




• Education on the hazards associated with fire response in the Coal Handling System and how to effectively respond:




• Conveyor Fires


• Crusher House Fires


• Coal Yard Fires


• Reclaim Tunnel Fires


• Dust Collectors Fires


• Silo Fires


• Transfer House Fires




• Understand how to safely attack a Coal Silo fire/Coal Yard fire.




• “Hot Spot” assessment


• Wash-down procedures


• Safety meeting


• Attack


• Monitor




• Ability to identify and assemble all components of a piercing rod.


• Determination of the site-specific location for the piercing rod kit.


• Demonstrate the ability to set up and correctly operate a portable foam eductor.


• Identify any and all safety issues involved when deploying a piercing rod.


• Identify and having a working knowledge of the personal protective equipment used when deploying a piercing rod.


• Demonstrate working knowledge of the PRB Coal Users’ Group general guidelines for fire suppression in coal bunkers/silos.

Student Performance Objectives:

• Students must pass a proficiency exam on the course content materials.


• Students will have a thorough knowledge of PRB coal handling and characteristics, hazard avoidance, and firefighting methods.

Equipment and Visual Aids:

• Data Projector and Screen


• Dry Erase Board and Markers


• HCT Piercing Rod w/ accessories (eductor, hose, etc.)


• Pressurized Water Source


• Micelle Encapsulator Concentrate or Training Foam

Lesson Resources:

• PRB Coal Silo/Bunker Fire Extinguishment Guidelines


• Piercing Rod Training PowerPoint Presentation


• PRB Coal Users’ Group Coal Bunker/Silo Fire Suppression Guidelines


• Hazard Control Technologies Piercing Rod Operations Manual


• Personal Experience in dealing with PRB Coal fires using F-500 and the Piercing Rod on Bunker, Coal Yard, Transfer House, and Reclaim Tunnel Fires.