How do we minimize combustible dust in our facility?

To minimize this hazard and avoid these types of incidents, employers need to control, capture, and clean the dust.

Control. Controlling dust should begin with engineering controls to minimize the release of dust at the point of generation. Ventilation and cleaning can help control dust levels, but the equipment used must be safe for dust. The wrong electrical system can contribute to the hazard. For example, an explosion at a Wisconsin engine manufacturer was caused by a malfunctioning ventilation fan, which ignited a fine metal dust.

Other practices include controlling flame and spark-producing equipment in potentially dusty areas, and separating heated surfaces and heating systems from dusts. Any equipment used, from hand tools to forklifts, should be appropriate for the atmosphere.

Capture. Where engineering controls aren’t feasible, the dust needs to be captured and contained.

Capture dust before it escapes into a work area by using properly designed, installed, approved, and maintained dust collection systems. The ventilation or collection system used will depend on the activity that is generating the dust. For example, many woodworking tools include systems to collect wood dust.

Contain dust within equipment, systems, or rooms that are built and operated to safely handle combustible dust.

Clean. No collection or ventilation system is perfect, and some dust will escape collection systems and filters. As such, employers should perform regular inspections for dust buildup, especially in hidden areas such as the upper surface of ductwork or ceilings.

Clean work areas, overhead surfaces, and concealed spaces frequently and thoroughly using safe housekeeping methods to remove combustible dusts not captured or contained. Clean up procedures should not create a dust cloud, especially near ignition sources. Only equipment designed and approved for dust collection should be used.

Improper cleaning methods can actually create the conditions for an explosion, as happened at a Kentucky acoustics plant. Workers were removing dust from a production line using compressed air, electric fans, and brooms, and this activity formed a dust cloud. A fire developed inside a nearby oven which ignited the dust cloud. The resulting explosion killed seven and injured more than 30.

When dust builds up to dangerous levels, it becomes fuel for fires and explosions. If your workplace contains combustible dust, implement a dust program that controls, captures, and cleans the hazard in the workplace.