Combustible dust safety is vital for many businesses and manufacturers. In 2021, combustible dust was responsible for 163 fires, 53 explosions, 215 injuries and sixty-nine deaths, according to Dust Safety Science’s Combustible Dust Incident Report. Combustible dust is fine particles of products that build up over time and when suspended in the air can ignite. Even just a small amount of dust can cause a massive explosion.
In the chemical industry, workers are susceptible to combustible dust in the product manufacturing sector. Dust accumulates from products like metal, grain, sugar, fabric, plastic, and rubber. When this accumulated dust gets disturbed. If there is also a source of ignition, the pressure will build up, eventually causing an explosion. Usually there is a small explosion first and then it will turn into a large explosion that can cause severe injury or death.
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), dust should not accumulate more than the thickness of a dime over more than 5% of the work area. While many may be familiar with the “Fire Triangle,” the three components that cause a fire, dust explosions have a “pentagon” that adds dispersion and confinement to the components. If all five of these occur in the right conditions, a dust explosion is almost certain to happen.
In the chemical industry, combustible dust safety is paramount. Dust control is the key factor to prevent fires and explosions. OSHA and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) have standards based on industries like agriculture, food, metal, plastics, rubber and more used to train workers on the dangers of combustible dust. For more information on dust safety and guidelines, please visit OSHA’s combustible dust site here.