Combustible Dust Hazards Spark Call for Safety Policies

Employers need a comprehensive strategy to manage dangerous combustible dust, which can cause catastrophic injuries and death and is present in an array of industries, according to a white paper from Global Risk Consultants Corp. In 2017, there were 169 combustible dust incidents that injured 163 workers and killed 13. Combustible dust is described as "finely divided solids that present flash fire and combustion hazards under certain conditions," and such hazardous materials come in many forms including flours, grains, hops, sugars, charcoal, lactose, aluminum, wood dusts, rubbers, and other materials. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's new Call to Action focuses on combustible dust hazards and the continued need for awareness, protection, and prevention of tragedies. The white paper indicates, "While compliance with standards is a must, the need for multilayered solutions is paramount in avoiding these incidents. Implementing a sound housekeeping program," which includes minimizing the escape of dust with proper equipment and ventilation systems, was named as one solution, followed by "installing engineered solutions and promoting awareness." Companies also should conduct dust hazard analyses to identify and mitigate combustible dust hazards.

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