what is combustible dust

The build-up of even a very small amount of dust can cause serious damage. As such, most solid organic materials (sugar, flour, wood, grains, etc.) Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! Older Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) may not provide the same information so additional research may be necessary. Thus far, OSHA does not have a mandatory combustible dust standard for general industry. Remove open flames, sparks, friction, heat sources, and other sources of ignition. 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. "<32)j+=94;y+=String.fromCharCode(j)}y"; In the absence of specific guidance, OSHA has relied on the General Duty Clause and referenced the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA . 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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. Dispersion means the dust particles are suspended in air. Particle size measurement is usually in microns. MORE ABOUT >. Copyright 1997-2022 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. 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 Dusts are also created by abrasive blasting, cutting, crushing, mixing, sifting or screening dry materials. A recent industrial explosion in Singapore left three workers dead and several more injured. The ingredients for a combustible dust explosion include fine organic dust (fuel), oxygen, and an ignition source. 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. Our comprehensive online resources are dedicated to safety professionals and decision makers like you. Read about our partner organizations. Dust explosions are the result of high concentrations of combustible dust particles rapidly combusting inside an enclosed space. The first question as part of a combustible dust evaluation is whether combustible dusts are present at your facility. Workplaces may either purchase such materials for use, or generate dusts as part of their processes. 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. | HR and Safety Manager, Safeopedia provides a platform for EHS professionals to learn, collaborate, have access to FREE content, and feel supported. 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. Locate dust collectors outdoors, where possible. What Is Combustible Dust? Contrary to popular belief, the formation of combustible dust is not only limited to metal working facilities. Combustible dusts can be from: most solid organic materials (such as sugar, flour, grain, wood, etc. ) Products and The following OSHA publications contain voluntary guidelines for employers and employees. The CSB has labelled the need for a standard as the first issue in its Most Wanted Chemical Safety Improvement program. The following chart illustrates the types of material involved in combustible dust explosions. A combustible dust explosion, however, can be self -perpetuating. In the most serious cases, entire buildings are . CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. In a deflagration, a burning substance releases heat, hot gases, and energetic particles or sparks that . Develop and implement a combustible dust inspection and control program which outlines how often inspections will occur and how dust will be controlled. Certain textiles. From cork to zinc dust, whey powder to phenolic resin, a number of materials are hazardous when they are processed in powdered form. Combustible dust explosions are often characterized by rapid total ignition and consumption of the whole quantity of flammable dust products. These can include powders, dusts, fines, fibers, flakes, chips, chunks, metal sponge, swarf, and turnings." HOW DO COMBUSTIBLE DUST EXPLOSIONS HAPPEN? The concentration of the dust suspension must be within the explosible range. Combustible dust may look just like regular dust, and in some cases it is. Chemical manufacturing (e.g., rubber, plastics, pharmaceuticals). Currently, OSHA fines from these inspections have fallen under several general categories: Section 5 (a) (1) General Duty Clause. Select and use intrinsically safe tools or machinery. Technically, combustible dust, also known as explosive dust, is composed of fine particulate material that arises as a by-product of those manufacturing processes where combustible raw materials are used. + All rights reserved. What Is Combustible Dust? It Not all fines have been this high. Keep static electricity under control, which includes the bonding and grounding of equipment. However, combustible dust should not be ignored. documents such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards such as the NFPA 652 - Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust or other NFPA standards on combustible dusts that are industry or commodity specific (e.g., coal, sulfur, metals). The National Fire Protection Association has released a comprehensive combustible dust standard that recommends workplaces conduct a dust hazard analysis. A combustible dust explosion can be catastrophic and can cause deaths, injuries, and destruction of entire buildings. The first is a short hazard alert with basic information. will be unavailable during this time. When combustible dusts ignite, there are often two explosions known as primary and secondary explosions. ). The list above is not all-inclusive, and not all these materials are equally explosive. In 2006, after investigating three combustible dust-related incidents over a two year period, the CSB . Investigations following the explosion found that the disaster was likely the result of combusted dust which had accumulated in a thick coat against the ceiling. Care must be taken to minimize dust clouds, and only use vacuums approved for dust collection. The standard pertains to all operations and facilities that process, manufacture, convey, blend generate, repackage, or handle combustible particulate solids or combustible . 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. Do you know if there are open areas and overhead structures where dusts may accumulate? Check out our Whats New listing to see what has been added or revised. Eliminate "hidden" areas where dust can accumulate unnoticed. 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.". Plastic dust and additives. These conditions form an explosive atmosphere where the dust particles ignite when they come into contact with an ignition source. What Is Not A Combustible Dust? This restriction allows pressure to build up, increasing the likelihood of an explosion. Such incidents have killed scores of employees and injured hundreds over the past few . There is a form of confinement or enclosure that allows pressure to build. Examples of materials include: There are many, many more types of materials that may become a combustible dust. Organic dust, such as flour, sugar, paper, soap, and dried blood. Many materials can become combustible under specific situations. Dust Explosion Hazards. EDT. A common cause of combustible dust incidents is improper cleanup of dust due to poor workplace housekeeping. What is Combustible Dust? Combustible fine particles of wood dust, also known as "deflagrable" wood dust, are classified as having a diameter of 420 microns (0.425mm, 425 um micrometers, 0.0165 inch) or smaller, and . As a powerful illustration of this concept, watch this short video, that shows how common household powders like coffee, pepper . Combustible dusts are fine particles that when suspended in air under certain conditions, can present an explosion hazard. Figure 1 shows the dust explosion pentagon. 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. Even materials that do not burn in larger pieces (such as aluminum or iron), given the proper conditions, can be explosible in dust form. An ignition source must be in contact with the dust suspension. Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Class 4 Flammable solids or liable to spontaneous combustion. One deadly pharmaceutical plant explosion was contributed to a build-up of combustible dust above a suspended ceiling. Below is a list of substances that have the potential to produce combustible dusts and are likely to cause dust deflagrations, other fires, or explosions. What Is Combustible Dust? These mechanical actions include, but are not limited to, handling, crushing and grinding. (Note that flash fires may occur without the 5th element of confinement). Use proper equipment and techniques when cleaning dust. Confirm fire and explosion protection and prevention equipment is installed and used according to applicable standards or legislation. Do you have processes such as abrasive blasting, cutting, grinding, sieving, polishing, cleaning, or other tasks that create dust? The technical definitions for combustible dust vary. 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. We continue to supply dust collectors to support your combustible dust control strategy. Many manufacturing processes can create combustible dust. Use alternative products where possible that are not combustible or are less hazardous. Repair or clean promptly. If it's not captured and disposed of properly . When the dust is disturbed and under certain circumstances, there is the potential for a serious explosion to occur. , bearings) as they may generate heat and become an ignition source. Contact Us All these are valid and legitimate concerns. What class is combustible dust? Combustible dust is any fine material (such as powder and particles) that can potentially catch fire and even explode when combined with the right air mixture. 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. What is Combustible Dust? The combustible dust NEP is still in place. 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. [CDATA[ Deflagration is a term often used to describe combustible dust explosions. Privacy Policy - Subscribe to the Safeopedia newsletter to stay on top of current industry trends and up-to-date know-how from subject matter authorities. ), Food production (e.g., sugar factories, bakeries). "/m? Each year, hundreds of combustible . A combustible dust is any fine material that can catch fire and explode when mixed with air. For example, theHazardous Products Regulation(for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015) defines combustible dust as " a mixture or substance that is in the form of finely divided solid particles that, upon ignition, is liable to catch fire or explode when dispersed in air". 126 Channing Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 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. 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). Educate all employees about combustible dusts, the hazards, and how they can help eliminate the risk of fire and explosions. The dust must be capable of being suspended in air. Many dusts are combustible, which means they can catch fire and burn. Aspects of a facilities operation, such as individual pieces of process equipment, ducts and dust collection system, are examined individually and aggregately . , sparks, fire, flames, stoves, heat sources, kilns, or welding flames)? In 2018, a metal tank manufacturer was fined "only" $101,800 for dust accumulation. Combustible dust is a collection of fine particles that create a dangerous explosion risk when mixed with oxygen. ). A risk assessment is a process that determines: Best practice is to keep the workplace as dust free as possible. Combustible dust is a substance made up of combustible particulate solid that, under certain conditions, can become highly explosive. 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 . Combustible dust is a common source of indoor air pollution. Therefore any activity that creates dust should be investigated to see if there is a risk of that dust being combustible. Metal processing and manufacturing (e.g., zinc, magnesium, aluminum, iron), Recycling facilities (e.g., paper, plastics, metals), and, Coal mining, processing or coal-fired power plants. Only use a dust collection or dust extraction system that is designed to eliminate or control combustible dust. The primary dust explosion is the first explosion. Which Type of HAZWOPER Training Do Your Workers Need? The US OSHA has created a poster which lists more examples. SafetyCulture: Easy Inspection Solution - Get Started for Free 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. Are Workplace Risks Hiding in Plain Sight? A dust cloud of this concentration resembles a very dense fog. "77:;7=:h747;787f7=7:79:g7<6f7::;7;:j:67;76;<6=7:;f7:797=;h:;787;6;76797;79" + It's hiding from you. Coal and other carbon dusts. Are there measures to isolate smoking and ignition sources away from production areas? It's the standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust. Check equipment that may wear (e.g. Combustible dust refers to any metallic or non-metallic airborne dust that is capable of causing a fire explosion. The air will become polluted with combustible dust.Capture, Contain and CleanTo protect against combustible dust in the workplace, OSHA recommends three key practices . The primary explosion will shake other dust that has accumulated. Combustible Dust: An Explosion Hazard OSHA Guidance The following OSHA publications contain voluntary guidelines for employers and employees. Combustible dust can easily collect in common and uncommon areas. How can we make our services more useful for you? If yes, does your dust collection system conform to combustible dust removal standards and local requirements (e.g. What is Combustible Dust? That same year, OSHA fined a processing and packaging company $254,000 for "exposing workers to combustible dust.". Stating the possibility of a combustible dust hazard is now a requirement on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under WHMIS 2015. Follow the training provided by their employer on how to identify combustible dust materials, how to safely handle combustible dust, and how to follow emergency procedures. Total ignition and consumption of the explosive dust located in your facility products where possible that are too large remain, chemicals, rubber, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and an ignition source surfaces. Csb has labelled the need for a combustible dust can easily collect in common and uncommon areas present! And related information airborne will settle out, while the smallest ones can remain suspended ventilation systems for dust and. 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