what is combustible dust
When the dust is disturbed and under certain circumstances, there is the potential for a serious explosion to occur. The second is a bulletin that is more comprehensive in nature. Never bring ignition sources into an area where combustible dust is being processed or handled. A dust hazard analysis, or DHA, is a systematic review and assessment of a process and/or facility led by someone with knowledge and experience in understanding and identifying combustible dust . Combustible dust is defined as finely divided solid material (or particles) which, when suspended in air and exposed to an ignition source, can propagate a rapid combustion reaction. Before you go, would you take a minute to answer seven questions about your experience on the CCOHS website? Workplaces may either purchase such materials for use, or generate dusts as part of their processes. What makes a combustible dust explosion more dangerous than a fire is how violent it is and how rapidly it can spread. There is a form of confinement or enclosure that allows pressure to build. "Combustible dusts include particles of any size and shape that present a fire, flash-fire, deflagration, or explosion hazard. Choose Yours, WIS Show: Step it up! Source: Combustible Dust Policy Institute. [CDATA[ However, combustible dust is the exception, as improper handling of this material, can create the conditions for costly and dangerous accidents or incidents to occur. Combustible dusts are finely divided particles in air that have the potential to lead to an explosion in the right conditions. 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. Do you have a dust collection system in place? 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. Still others have been much higher. MORE ABOUT >. This dust can accumulate over several years as a result of standard manufacturing . A material that is not combustible or flammable under many circumstances can potentially act as a combustible dust if it is present as a fine particle and mixed with air in a particular concentration. Access to this website Can dust enter or accumulate on electrical enclosures or equipment? Have you researched if the dust present is combustible? chemical dusts such as coal, sulphur, etc. Other sources of information include to check if the material is classified as a combustible dust include referring to:, Once the hazards are identified, appropriate control measure can be put in place. Additionally, metals, plastics, chemicals, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and textile dusts are also . Combustible dust explosions require five elements to occur: Oxygen (Note that flash fires may occur without the 5th element of confinement). In other words, it is the upper limit of the zone that is completely saturated with water. While no OSHA standard directly addresses combustible dust, this has not hindered OSHA inspections and enforcement actions. By knowing what your combustible dust is, where it occurs, and how to mitigate the risks it presents, you can develop a mitigation strategy that supports new growth opportunities. Develop and implement a combustible dust inspection and control program which outlines how often inspections will occur and how dust will be controlled. 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While almost any health or safety hazard could be cited . Combustible dust is defined as a solid material. 905-572-2981 Dust explosions are the result of high concentrations of combustible dust particles rapidly combusting inside an enclosed space. Are employees aware of combustible dust and its hazards? + Develop a hot work permit system for activities such as welding and cutting. 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". However, combustible dust should not be ignored. grain, wood, flour, etc), and some non-metallic inorganic materials, these will have characteristics that are considered combustible. ). Do employees follow housekeeping rules and take steps to reduce dust and remove ignition sources? Control ignition sources, such as bond and ground conductive equipment. Stating the possibility of a combustible dust hazard is now a requirement on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under WHMIS 2015. The first question as part of a combustible dust evaluation is whether combustible dusts are present at your facility. This is a devastating event which has the potential to cause injury or death to personnel, and massive destruction to buildings and machinery. Subscribe to the Safeopedia newsletter to stay on top of current industry trends and up-to-date know-how from subject matter authorities. Develop safe practice for the storage of combustible dust. Even materials that do not burn in larger sizes, given the proper conditions, can be explosible in dust form. Combustible dust is any fine material that can catch fire and explode if it becomes airborne and meets an ignition source. The Kst value measures the relative explosion severity of a dust when compared to other dusts. The ele-ments are: a fuel source (combustible dust); a heat or ignition source (e.g., electrostatic discharge, an electric current arc, a glowing ember, a hot surface, welding OSHA defines combustible dust as "fine particles that present an explosion hazard when suspended in air under certain conditions.". Copyright 1997-2022 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. Surprisingly, many organic materials such as flour, sugar, wood dust, grains, starch, potatoes, and even rice are combustible under the right conditions. , sparks, fire, flames, stoves, heat sources, kilns, or welding flames)? Any fire needs three elements. The following chart illustrates the types of material involved in combustible dust explosions. If such a dust is suspended in air in the right concentration, under certain conditions, it can become explosible. Develop an ignition control program to eliminate or reduce sources of ignition. the USA OSHA Combustible Dust poster and related information. In practice, for a dust explosion to occur, a number of conditions must be met including: There are many variables that must be considered - the particle size of the dust, the method of dispersion, ventilation system characteristics, air currents, ignition sources, confinement of the dust cloud, physical barriers, and so on. A deflagration is an "ordinary" fire such as a gas stove, burning wood or paper, and even the burning of gasoline vapor inside the cylinder of an automobile. Use alternative products where possible that are not combustible or are less hazardous. can form combustible dusts, as can many metals and some inorganic compounds. According to the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB), 281 dust-related incidents in the United States killed 119 workers and injured 718 workers between 1980 and 2005. The third gives specific guidance on hazard communication. ), Food production (e.g., sugar factories, bakeries). Read about our partner organizations. As Scott explains, combustible dust is any material of finely divided solid particles that can become suspended in the air. 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. A relatively small amount of dust can pose a significant hazard. Are Workplace Risks Hiding in Plain Sight? All ingredients can be found in grain elevators, feed mills, coal-fired power plants, and woodworking facilities. The primary hazard is that combustible dusts can catch fire, create a flash fire, or cause an explosion. The primary explosion will shake other dust that has accumulated. The National Fire Protection Association has released a comprehensive combustible dust standard that recommends workplaces conduct a dust hazard analysis. Types of combustible dust include organic, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, textiles and more. As it accumulates inside of a commercial building or other indoor workplaces, it will lower the quality of the air. while(x=eval(x));}hiveware_enkoder(); Eliminate "hidden" areas where dust can accumulate unnoticed. Put covers around pipes and cables, or embed pipes and cables in the walls, where possible, to reduce surfaces where dust can accumulate. The third gives specific guidance on hazard communication. Combustible Dust: An Explosion Hazard OSHA Guidance The following OSHA publications contain voluntary guidelines for employers and employees. Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Class 4 Flammable solids or liable to spontaneous combustion. Currently, OSHA fines from these inspections have fallen under several general categories: Section 5 (a) (1) General Duty Clause. Toll free 1-800-668-4284 Combustible dust. Most types of fans typically stirs the dust, adding dust particles into the air and worsening the situation. These particles can create a risk of explosion when they are suspended in the air, in certain concentrations and under specific conditions to . A combustible dust is any dust (fine material) that has the potential to catch fire and explode when mixed with air. The atmosphere must contain sufficient oxygen to support and sustain combustion. Set up the dust producing process so it can only run with the ventilation operating properly. What is combustible dust? Explains combustible dust. Combustible dust in industry: preventing and mitigating the effects of fire and explosions. Immediately report unsafe conditions that can lead to ignition of the combustible dust such as: Immediately report spills of combustible dust to their supervisor, Immediately report any process issues or equipment failure, Presence of sparks in the combustible dust area. Confinement means the dust is in an enclosed or limited space. suspended in air or some other oxidizing medium. Contact Us Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! The list above is not all-inclusive, and not all these materials are equally explosive. This means it presents a serious fire or deflagration hazard, and as such, measures need to be taken to prevent an explosion. VAC-U-MAX offers a full line of ATEX-certified combustible dust vacuum cleaners for Class I and Class II, Division 2 hazardous location areas. These compressed air operated systems include the vacuum cover, drum, dolly, vacuum hose, cleaning tools, compressed-air hose with quick-disconnect . Combustible dust is a collection of fine particles that create a dangerous explosion risk when mixed with oxygen. It Organic dust, such as flour, sugar, paper, soap, and dried blood. 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. Follow required standards and codes when installing these systems. These elements are known as the "fire triangle": A dust explosion needs two additional elements - known as the "dust pentagon": 4. Addressing Safety Challenges in Clean Room Environments, Construction Dust: The Risk to Health and How to Create a Safer Working Environment, Know the Code: Using the NFPAs Fire Diamond to Assess Hazards, Reducing Silica Exposure in Manufacturing, Reducing Silica Risks at the Construction Site, 5 Best Practices for Dust Control in Manufacturing, 12 Types of Hand Protection Gloves (and How to Choose the Right One). Combustible Dust. Aspects of a facilities operation, such as individual pieces of process equipment, ducts and dust collection system, are examined individually and aggregately . Check equipment that may wear (e.g. As a powerful illustration of this concept, watch this short video, that shows how common household powders like coffee, pepper . NFPA 654 (2013 Edition): "Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids" defines a combustible dust as follows: "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." many metals, and some nonmetallic inorganic materials. Industry sectors that typically generate combustible dust, such as bakeries, metal foundries, and sawmill operations . Remove open flames, sparks, friction, heat sources, and other sources of ignition. Learn More | NASP Certification Program: The Path to Success Has Many Routes. Please note: This Standard is no longer under revision or accepting Public Input due to the Combustible Dust Document Consolidation Plan (consolidation plan) as approved by the NFPA Standards Council. Combustable Materials. : paper, soap, sugar, flour) Plastic dust Aluminum and magnesium (See below for extensive list) }A++?jsv,mA" + The concentration of dust and air must be within the upper and lower explosive limits for the dust involved.Measurements of the lower explosive limits of many materials are available, and for many organic materials the limit is in the range 10 - 50g/m3. "7=:67:;h;h::75;f5Am,v7:7=sj?+7:77+A}? Keep ignition sources away from dusty areas or use suitable controls. These mechanical actions include, but are not limited to, handling, crushing and grinding. Products and | HR and Safety Manager, Safeopedia provides a platform for EHS professionals to learn, collaborate, have access to FREE content, and feel supported. Use appropriate electrical and ventilation equipment. These can include powders, dusts, fines, fibers, flakes, chips, chunks, metal sponge, swarf, and turnings." HOW DO COMBUSTIBLE DUST EXPLOSIONS HAPPEN? 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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 . ", If you have any questions concerning this article or other safety issues, please contact W. Jon Wallace, "The Safety Guru", at 919.933.5548 or by If you determine combustible dust is a potential issue, a combustible dust program should be implemented based upon OSHA's national emphasis program on combustible dust: CPL 03-00-008, NFPA 654: "Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids," as well as NFPA 61: "Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities. 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. Not all fines have been this high. Combustible dust, as defined by OSHA, is "a solid material composed of distinct particles or pieces, regardless of size, shape or chemical composition, which can present a fire or deflagration hazard when suspended in air or some other oxidizing medium over a range of concentrations." The presence of this dust, both in open and unseen areas . What is a combustible dust? Copyright 20022021, Workplace Safety, Inc. Many manufacturing processes can create combustible dust. 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