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['Signs and Markings']
['Signs and Markings']
01/02/2024
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InstituteSafety & HealthGeneral Industry SafetySigns and MarkingsWhat Would you Do QuestionsSigns and MarkingsEnglishAnalysisFocus AreaUSA
Mandatory signs for combustible dust?
Scenario: A food company has a process involving ingredients that, when processed, create combustible dust in the air. Bags that contain the ingredients at the facility offer a combustible dust warning on the label per the Hazard Communication Standard. While OSHA does not have a comprehensive combustible dust standard, is there a regulation under which OSHA could cite the company for failing to post a sign in areas where combustible food ingredients are processed?
Yes. OSHA can cite the food company under a regulation in this case.
No. OSHA cannot cite the food company under any regulation in this case.
Click below to see the answer.
Mandatory signs for combustible dust?: Answer
Answer: Yes. OSHA can cite the food company per 29 CFR 1910.145 for failure to post an accident prevention sign, such as a danger or safety instruction sign. Danger signs indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary. Safety instruction signs shall be used where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures.
According to 1910.145, signs are required to define specific hazards of a nature such that failure to designate them may lead to accidental injury to workers or the public, or both, or to property damage. In this case, if failure to designate the presence of combustible dust may lead to injury or property damage, a sign is required. Combustible dust creates a fire and explosion hazard.
signs-and-markings
Signs and Markings
signs-and-markings
Signs and Markings
Mandatory signs for combustible dust?
Scenario: A food company has a process involving ingredients that, when processed, create combustible dust in the air. Bags that contain the ingredients at the facility offer a combustible dust warning on the label per the Hazard Communication Standard. While OSHA does not have a comprehensive combustible dust standard, is there a regulation under which OSHA could cite the company for failing to post a sign in areas where combustible food ingredients are processed?
Yes. OSHA can cite the food company under a regulation in this case.
No. OSHA cannot cite the food company under any regulation in this case.
Click below to see the answer.
Mandatory signs for combustible dust?: Answer
Answer: Yes. OSHA can cite the food company per 29 CFR 1910.145 for failure to post an accident prevention sign, such as a danger or safety instruction sign. Danger signs indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary. Safety instruction signs shall be used where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures.
According to 1910.145, signs are required to define specific hazards of a nature such that failure to designate them may lead to accidental injury to workers or the public, or both, or to property damage. In this case, if failure to designate the presence of combustible dust may lead to injury or property damage, a sign is required. Combustible dust creates a fire and explosion hazard.
Answer
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.