Wood pellets: what ANSES really says about storage

A known and regulated phenomenon

ANSES rightly points out that wood pellets can emit certain gases, including carbon monoxide, during storage. This phenomenon has been known for several years and is documented in the scientific literature. It is already taken into account by industry professionals, who incorporate these parameters into their technical recommendations and during installation.

Storage contexts to distinguish

The poisoning situations mentioned relate to specific storage configurations involving large volumes, found only in professional environments or under unsuitable conditions. In these cases, a risk may exist and requires adherence to strict safety and ventilation protocols.

In homes, storage conditions are completely different from these situations: volumes are smaller and storage spaces are ventilated. In these cases, ANSES indicates in its opinion that these emissions are "low and occur slowly," and that "ventilation or good airflow in the storage area should prevent poisoning problems."

Reported by several media outlets, the case of the octogenarian from Haut Rhin poisoned by carbon monoxide reveals a failure to comply with basic ventilation rules for a pellet storage facility.

Simple rules for secure storage

As with any fuel, storing wood pellets relies on simple best practices: store them in a dry, well-ventilated area; follow the manufacturers' recommendations; and use an existing technical framework, notably the NF EN ISO 20023 standard, which governs the safe handling and storage of wood pellets in residential and small-scale applications. These rules have also been simplified in Propellet's technical documentation, such as its online training course. MOOC - Propellet.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.