Combustible dust is a common source of indoor air pollution. The CSB has labelled the need for a standard as the first issue in its Most Wanted Chemical Safety Improvement program. Wood dust. Document last updated on February 28, 2022, All Put covers around pipes and cables, or embed pipes and cables in the walls, where possible, to reduce surfaces where dust can accumulate. What is Combustible Dust? Combustible dust refers to any metallic or non-metallic airborne dust that is capable of causing a fire explosion. "::;j::79:::f;=74:87::;;5:h797;8h7e7476797:6i:=7;7;:h:i767:6<:::i:9757::g:i" + Include inspection of machines, ducts, and ventilation systems for dust. A wide variety of materials that can be explosible in dust form exist in many industries. Combustible dust may look just like regular dust, and in some cases it is. There is a form of confinement or enclosure that allows pressure to build. When mixed with oxygen, these fine particles can be ignited when coming into contact with a spark, metal ember, cigarette butt, or other ignition source. In a deflagration, a burning substance releases heat, hot gases, and energetic particles or sparks that ignite and spread the fire. This is a devastating event which has the potential to cause injury or death to personnel, and massive destruction to buildings and machinery. 4. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), combustible dust is "a combustible particulate solid material that presents a fire or deflagration hazard when suspended in air or some other oxidizing medium over a range of concentrations, regardless of particle size or shape." Even materials that do not burn in larger pieces (such as aluminum and iron . What is Combustible Dust? , bearings) as they may generate heat and become an ignition source. Particle size measurement is usually in microns. The consequences of a dust explosion are disastrous. :xkr7678ip2|::78@m?4::7/:676}!-67779A" + Combustible dust explosions kill people every year and cause massive damage to property, and it's worth controlling the problem safely in your facility. All rights reserved. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. "7fyw2|A|?--4,xEvelg2|,p@m?4Am,vsj?++A}?-5,vxwyw2|A/}!-, Workplace Safety, Inc. Copyright 20022021, Workplace Safety, Inc. Confinement of the dust cloud. Have employees been trained and educated on safe methods for cleaning? The following chart illustrates the types of material involved in combustible dust explosions. By clicking sign up, you agree to receive emails from Safeopedia and agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy. Terms of Use - Combustible dusts can be from: most solid organic materials (such as sugar, flour, grain, wood, etc. ) In 2006, after investigating three combustible dust-related incidents over a two year period, the CSB . Essentially, any workplace that generates dust is potentially at risk. In 2018, a metal tank manufacturer was fined "only" $101,800 for dust accumulation. "76;h7f:66g6=;f957:;=6f86;57776:<:7:774:i6<777=77796e:<:67668;5767=777`&``f" + Once the ratio between combustible dust and air is right, the material can ignite from something such as a small spark, cigarette or even enough friction can create the energy needed to . Eliminate "hidden" areas where dust can accumulate unnoticed. Combustible dust explosions require five elements to occur: Oxygen The list above is not all-inclusive, and not all these materials are equally explosive. If you work with elements such as metals, solid organic materials (e.g. If you work with dust from wood, sugar, or fine aluminum these are considered to be some of the most combustible types of dust. Do you have a dust collection system in place? ), Food production (e.g., sugar factories, bakeries). chemical dusts such as coal, sulphur, etc. These materials are used in a wide range of industries and processes, such as agriculture, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, furniture, textiles, fossil fuel power generation, recycling operations, and metal working and processing which includes additive manufacturing and 3D printing. When the dust is disturbed and under certain circumstances, there is the potential for a serious explosion to occur. Combustible particulates having an . Do employees follow housekeeping rules and take steps to reduce dust and remove ignition sources? Combustible dust is defined as a solid material composed of distinct particles or pieces, regardless of size, shape, or chemical composition, which presents a fire or deflagration hazard when suspended in air or some other oxidizing medium over a range of . Access to this website Combustible dust-fueled fires and explosions continue to injure and claim the lives of workers across a broad spectrum of industries, including the food, chemical, paper, pharmaceutical, and metal processing industries. Combustible dust explosions are often characterized by rapid total ignition and consumption of the whole quantity of flammable dust products. Currently, OSHA fines from these inspections have fallen under several general categories: Section 5 (a) (1) General Duty Clause. Do I have combustible dust in my facility? Check equipment that may wear (e.g. Certain textiles. Copyright 1997-2022 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. Combustible dust has resulted in numerous deadly incidents over the years. Do you have processes such as abrasive blasting, cutting, grinding, sieving, polishing, cleaning, or other tasks that create dust? Dispersion of dust particles in the right concentration, and 5. Subscribe to the Safeopedia newsletter to stay on top of current industry trends and up-to-date know-how from subject matter authorities. As Scott explains, combustible dust is any material of finely divided solid particles that can become suspended in the air. Does your workplace have a no-smoking policy? NFPA 654 defines combustible dust as " A combustible particulate solid that presents a fire or deflagration hazard when suspended in air or some other oxidizing medium over a range of concentrations, regardless of particle size or shape ." Below is a list about the different types of materials that create dust that is highly combustible A dust cloud of this concentration resembles a very dense fog. A fire will not spread without fuel: If no new fuel is available, the fire will die out. Any combustible material can burn rapidly when in a finely divided form. The next step is an evaluation to determine if the dust is handled or processed in a manner that could potentially create a combustible dust hazard. grain, wood, flour, etc), and some non-metallic inorganic materials, these will have characteristics that are considered combustible. + In addition to the example of cement above, you'll find that limestone, fly ash, silica, sand, etc. What is Combustible Dust? Older Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) may not provide the same information so additional research may be necessary. In addition, a combustible particulate solid is defined as: "Any solid material composed of distinct particles or pieces, regardless of size, shape, or chemical composition that presents a fire hazard.". Combustible dusts are often either organic or metal dusts that are finely ground. Typically, combustible dust is limited to particles with a nominal diameter of less than 500-microns. Even materials that do not burn in larger pieces (such as aluminum or iron), given the proper conditions, can be explosible in dust form. 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"7=:67:;h;h::75;f5Am,v7:7=sj?+7:77+A}? ), carbonaceous materials (e.g., charcoal, soot). Surprisingly, many organic materials such as flour, sugar, wood dust, grains, starch, potatoes, and even rice are combustible under the right conditions. Most types of fans typically stirs the dust, adding dust particles into the air and worsening the situation. The primary hazard is that combustible dusts can catch fire, create a flash fire, or cause an explosion. The build-up of even a very small amount of dust can cause serious damage. In order to determine the level of risk from combustible dust, a risk assessment should be completed by a competent person (e.g., safety engineer, industrial/occupational hygienist, etc. The primary explosion will shake other dust that has accumulated. All ingredients can be found in grain elevators, feed mills, coal-fired power plants, and woodworking facilities. "777:6<;<7f6=76:;:g6<747::8;;776h7;7:6f7=7::;6478767:777:7=:h79787i7e747;:h" + This restriction allows pressure to build up, increasing the likelihood of an explosion. Source: Combustible Dust Policy Institute. Keep all mechanical and electrical equipment in good repair. When fine dust particles catch fire while they're suspended in the air, known as deflagration, fire can spread rapidly and sometimes leads to an explosion. These compressed air operated systems include the vacuum cover, drum, dolly, vacuum hose, cleaning tools, compressed-air hose with quick-disconnect . Another example is Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Code which defines combustible dust as "a dust that can create an explosive atmosphere when it is suspended in air in ignitable concentrations". In the absence of specific guidance, OSHA has relied on the General Duty Clause and referenced the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA . The primary dust explosion is the first explosion. An ignition source must be in contact with the dust suspension. Which Type of HAZWOPER Training Do Your Workers Need? Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. From cork to zinc dust, whey powder to phenolic resin, a number of materials are hazardous when they are processed in powdered form. The specific product or material may also cause health effects, such as lung disease or cancer, which is not addressed in this document. Please see other OSH Answers on that specific product, or contact CCOHSs Safety Infoline (Inquiries Service) for more information. Combustible Dust --- Does your company or firm process any of these products or materials in powdered form? Dust is defined as solid particles that are generated by some type of mechanical action on organic or inorganic materials. By clicking sign up, you agree to receive emails from Safeopedia and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Confinement means the dust is in an enclosed or limited space. the sources of combustible dust (e.g., the materials and processes used in the manufacturing methods), the areas where combustible dust accumulates (e.g., visible or hidden equipment, beams, pipes, etc. 905-572-2981 Listed below are typical Industries handling combustible dust: The first step of the combustible dust assessment is determining if you have any combustible dust present at your facility. These can include powders, dusts, fines, fibers, flakes, chips, chunks, metal sponge, swarf, and turnings." HOW DO COMBUSTIBLE DUST EXPLOSIONS HAPPEN? Dust particles that are too large to remain airborne will settle out, while the smallest ones can remain suspended . Exactly what it sounds like, combustible dust is small particulate matter that has the potential for either a flash fire or an explosion. Once these particles are suspended in air, they can either become flammable or explosive, or both. As such, most solid organic materials (sugar, flour, wood, grains, etc.) "7=6=7:786f7h::79;=78;8;67:7:;<6=::77:g666<;i7<;h67;9766g;6:79::<757:6;6977" + The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) identified 281 combustible dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that led to the deaths of 119 workers, injured 718, and extensively damaged numerous industrial facilities. Figure from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and WorksafeBC. Contrary to popular belief, the formation of combustible dust is not only limited to metal working facilities. The air will become polluted with combustible dust.Capture, Contain and CleanTo protect against combustible dust in the workplace, OSHA recommends three key practices . Use proper equipment and techniques when cleaning dust. A combustible dust is any material (finely divided solid particles) that has the ability disperse in air and catch fire and explode when exposed to an ignition source. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Precautions for Firefighters to Prevent Dust Explosions, Firefighting Precautions at Facilities with Combustible Dust, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) identified 281 combustible dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that led to the deaths of 119 workers, injured 718, and extensively damaged numerous industrial facilities. Dust Explosion Hazards. Use an appropriate dust extraction and collection system with the inlet located as close to the dust producing process as possible. This dust can accumulate over several years as a result of standard manufacturing . The final item is a poster listing some of the more common materials that can form combustible dust, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Precautions for Firefighters to Prevent Dust Explosions, Firefighting Precautions at Facilities with Combustible Dust, Hazard Alert: Combustible Dust Explosions, Combustible Dust in Industry: Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosion, Hazard Communication Guidance for Combustible Dusts. Thanks for a very informative, effective training session (30-Hour Complying with OSHA). Not all fines have been this high. Agriculture (e.g., fertilizer plants, composting facilities, grain elevators, silos, etc. How can we make our services more useful for you? If it's not captured and disposed of properly . (e.g., wet cutting methods, liquid ingredients, etc.). The top four reasons people are concerned about combustible dust include: 1. health and safety of employees; 2. fear of a potential OSHA inspection; 3. already had an OSHA inspection; and 4. the possibility of an explosion. By: Karoly Ban Matei Locate dust collectors outdoors, where possible. NFPA 70E: Electrical Safe Work Practices Training, 10-hour OSHA Compliance Course for General Industry, 30-hour OSHA Compliance Course for General Industry, Metal Dust Such as Aluminum and Magnesium, Organic Dust Sugar, Flour, Paper, Soap, Dried Blood (e.g., slaughterhouses), Recycling Operations (metal, paper, and plastic), Coal Dust Coal Handling and Processing Operations. Keep ignition sources away from dusty areas or use suitable controls. The second is a bulletin that is more comprehensive in nature. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) defines combustible dust as "a finely divided combustible particulate solid that presents a flash-fire hazard or explosion hazard when suspended in air or the process-specific oxidizing medium over a range of concentrations" in Standard 652-2019, The Fundamentals of Combustible Dust. Learn More | NASP Certification Program: The Path to Success Has Many Routes. The technical definitions for combustible dust vary. As it accumulates inside of a commercial building or other indoor workplaces, it will lower the quality of the air.
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