Combustible Dust Safety

Overview

Combustible Dust Safety should be managed through a planned system of work: identify the task-specific hazards, eliminate exposure where practical, use engineered or collective controls before relying on PPE, verify critical safeguards before starting, and stop the task when controls are missing or conditions change. This guide applies those principles specifically to preventing dust accumulation, ignition and secondary explosions in combustible-dust environments.

Main Hazards

• • Suspended combustible dust reaching an ignition source
• • Accumulated dust feeding a secondary explosion
• • Ignition of combustible or flammable materials
• • Burns from sparks, slag, flame or hot surfaces
• • Fire or explosion in adjacent or hidden spaces

Essential Controls

1. 1Use effective dust collection and housekeeping methods that do not create airborne clouds.
2. 2Control hot work, static, electrical and mechanical ignition sources in dust-hazard areas.
3. 3Remove or protect combustibles and check both sides of walls, floors and penetrations.
4. 4Use the required permit, gas testing and fire-watch controls before ignition sources are introduced.
5. 5Provide suitable fire-fighting equipment and maintain access to emergency routes.
6. 6Stop work if atmospheric conditions, ventilation or fire controls become inadequate.

Related Guides