“What is so frustrating about dust explosions is that they're so preventable”
- Ms. Blair, CSB investigator.

Dust - The Problem.

The Chemical Safety Board, CSB, states combustible dust is “a significant industry safety problem.” There is no doubt of a now acute awareness in manufacturing of the problems associated with dust hazards.  And much of the nation’s industry is affected.

And the fallouts from increased dusts levels can be serious:   Fire, explosion, damage to property and overall livelihood, and loss of human life.

Dusts of concern include, but are not limited to wood, aluminum, coal, carbon, plastics, bio-solids, textile related particulates, and many common organic dusts such as paper, flour, or sugar.

Dust Management – The Solution.

Industry has become more aware of this dust problem and has sought various solutions to manage and control dust including dust vacuuming.   Programs created to keep dust levels in check, where once looked on as only done if extra time and resources allow, are now commonplace and are planned to occur routinely.

The end results of proper dust management are:  Liability reduction, safety improvement, quality control, increased overall manufacturing efficiency and production, increased safety and health, and peace of mind.

First Environmental Nationwide in Georgia provides dust management and dust control to include:

• overhead dust vacuuming, cleaning, and removal
• experience in heavy industrial applications and dangerous environments
• fall protection trained
• confined space entry trained
• hazardous materials
• lockout tagout
• dangerous environments
• chemical awareness
• shutdowns or active manufacturing

Companies that manufacture products utilized in the baking industry are required to meet the approval of AIB (American Institute of Baking  www.aibonline.org). As a result, companies are looking for a cleaning contractor to help them with the accredition.

First Environmental Nationwide offers the following:

• Hygiene cleaning
• Housekeeping
• Food Grade Cleanliness
• Surface Cleaning
• AIB Audits
• Surface Vacuuming
• Food Grade

Related Media

Combustible Dust: An Insidious Hazard
Dust from industrial processes can become the fuel for devastating explosions.

Imperial Sugar Company Dust Explosion and Fire
On February 7, 2008, a huge explosion and fire occurred at the Imperial Sugar refinery northwest of Savannah, Georgia, causing 14 deaths and injuring 38 others, including 14 with serious and life-threatening burns. The explosion was fueled by massive accumulations of combustible sugar dust throughout the packaging building.

Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program
This instruction contains policies and procedures for inspecting workplaces that create or handle combustible dusts. In some circumstances these dusts may cause a deflagration, other fires, or an explosion.

FPRF Combustible Dust Symposium
NFPA Combustible Dust Hazard Codes and Standards

Combustible Dust
Does your company or firm process any of these products or materials in powdered form? If your company or firm processes any of these products or materials, there is potential for a “Combustible Dust” explosion.

Dust Management Video