Evaluation of a Standardized Risk Assessment for Explosion Protection at Seeds Sites

Abstract

SpeedExs is a software tool developed by Bayer to conduct risk assessments for dust explosions and generate Explosion Prevention and Protection Documents (EPPDs) for its seed sites globally. The development of SpeedExs was driven by the need for a standardised method of risk assessment across all seed sites. The main objective of this thesis is to evaluate the practical adaptability of SpeedExs by conducting risk assessments in various seed sites in the Europe Middle East and Asia (EMEA) region. The thesis begins with a brief introduction to risk assessment and various codes for explosion protection. The methodology to collect the data involved visiting different seed sites, performing risk assessment on them using the software, verifying the results generated by the software and providing action items to develop and implement safety measures in site. Throughout the research process, the software was progressively developed to meet the requirements of the thesis. The thesis presents findings and discussions and provides recommendations on how the functionality of this program can be enhanced in the future, with a focus on the practical application of the software in seed sites. An analysis of the effectiveness of the software is performed, based on the findings from the risk assessments conducted in different seed sites. The thesis concludes with recommendations on how the software can be improved to make it more effective and user-friendly for conducting risk assessments for dust explosions. Overall, the thesis demonstrates the importance of consistent risk assessment practices for explosion safety in seed sites and the potential benefits of using software tools like SpeedExs to achieve this goal.