U.S. GOVERNMENTW H A T D O E S T H E

W A N T M E T O K N O W A B O U T C O M B U S T I B L E D U S T

I N T H E W O R K P L A C E ?

DUST IN THE WORKPLACE CAN BE AN EXPLOSION HAZARDIn the right conditions, and in a finely divided form, any combustible material can burn rapidly when it’s suspended in the air.

EVEN MATERIALS THAT DO NOT BURN IN LARGER PIECES CAN STILL BURN (AND EXPLODE) IN A FINELY DISTRIBUTED FORM. THIS INCLUDES METALS

SUCH AS ALUMINUM OR IRON.

Farr Gold Series on Aluminum Blasting

MANY INDUSTRIES

PRODUCE AN EXPLOSIVE

DUST DURING THEIR

MANUFACTURING PROCESS.

This includes, but is not

limited to agriculture,

chemical manufacturing,

pharmaceuticals, textiles,

fossil fuel power generation,

recycling and metalworking.

THE RESULTS FROM SUCH A DUST-BORNE EXPLOSION CAN BE CATASTROPHIC. THE FORCE FROM THIS EXPLOSION HAS CAUSED

DEATH AND INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES, AND HAS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO OR THE COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES.

Between 1980 and 2005, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board identified 281 incidents where combustible dust led to the death of 119 people, injuries

to 718 people and extensive damage to numerous facilities.

WHAT OSHA STANDARDS APPLY TO MY

MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT?

There are many standards that could apply to an industrial

environment. A few examples of the subjects included in

the OSHA standards that relate to dust-borne explosions

would be walking-working surfaces, housekeeping,

ventilation, portable fire extinguishers, hazardous locations

and handling materials and storage.

ARE THERE OTHER STANDARDS THAT ARE NOT OSHA

REGULATIONS I NEED TO BE AWARE OF?

Yes. OSHA cites standards from the National Fire Prevention

Association (NFPA), FM Global and the International Code

Council (ICC). Additionally, these standards may be mandated

by State or local governments.

ALL THE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS RELATING TO DUST

EXPLOSIONS IN THE WORKPLACE ARE CONFUSING. HOW CAN I

ENSURE MY COMPLIANCE WITH OSHA STANDARDS?

It can be intimidating to ensure worker safety and compliance with

government regulations. A proper dust collection equipment setup,

along with the right maintenance of such a system are necessary.

CHECK OUT THIS LINK FOR A FREE WHITE PAPER ON HOW YOU CAN ENSURE OSHA COMPLIANCE WITH A PROPER DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM IN YOUR FACILITY!