Sustainable Solutions – ESHB, are proud to announce the sign off for the DSEAR design risk assessment for the building of the new Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) block factory, to be located in Mansfield in the UK. The plant is based around a tried and tested design by the German company Wehrhahn Gmbh. DSEAR is the UK regulation to complete a risk assessment for anything with the technical properties which may explode and cause injury. (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulation 2002)
(AAC) blocks are surging in popularity because they offer a superior, cost-effective alternative to traditional red bricks and standard concrete. Made from sand, cement, lime, and a small amount of aluminium powder, they feature a unique porous structure (roughly 70% to 80% air) that provides lightweight strength alongside unmatched insulation.
The benefits summarised are:
- Fantastic thermal efficiency
- Lightweight and fast to build
- High class fire safety
- Significant improvement on sound proofing
- Vastly reduced carbon footprint in the manufacture (No CO2 byproduct)
- Mould and pest resistant
From a DSEAR perspective, the main issues centred around the production of hydrogen gas in the process which is explosive above certain concentrations in the air. This created unusual problems for us to resolve as most of the gasses and vapours we deal with tend to be heavier than air and liable to accumulate in drains and gulleys. Here the concern was more about the accumulation of Hydrogen pockets in roof voids where ignition sources may be located.
If you are interested further in the process, please take a look at one of Wehrhahn’s other factories.