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You are here: Home Why Explosion Proof Combustible Dust Tips for Controlling Combustible Dust

Tips for Controlling Combustible Dust

Dust Control Measures

  • Design and implement non-leaking dust-containment systems that meet your facility needs and dust hazard requirements. (Ask us how Ruwac can help you with this - 800.736.6288).
  • Utilize a housekeeping program that includes regular cleaning of floors and horizontal surfaces, such as ducts, pipes, hoods, ledges, and beams.
  • Use surfaces that minimize dust accumulation and facilitate cleaning.
  • Provide access to all hidden areas to permit inspection and cleaning.
  • Inspect open and hidden areas regularly for dust accumulation.

Ignition Control Measures

  • Only use approved vacuum cleaners and other equipment that meet the need for your hazard situation.
  • If ignition sources are present, use cleaning methods that do not generate dust clouds
  • Dust control equipment must be grounded and bonded to dissipate electrostatic charge.
  • Implement a Hot Work permit program.
  • Post “No Smoking” signs in prohibited areas.
  • Use industrial trucks that are approved for combustible dust locations.
  • Maintain processing equipment to control sparks and friction.
  • Separate heated surfaces and heating systems from dust.

Prevention Measures

  • Use separator devices to remove foreign materials capable of igniting combustible dusts.
  • Make available MSDS(s) for the chemical(s) which could become explosive.
  • Train employees on the risks of combustible dusts.
  • Execute an emergency action plan.
  • Vent hazard areas over exterior walls and enclosures and away from employees.
  • Minimize the escape of dust from process equipment or ventilation systems
  • Install spark detection and explosion/ deflagration suppression systems.
  • Maintain emergency exit routes.
  • Invest in appropriate fire suppression systems

Review Applicable OSHA Requirements:

  • §1910.22 Housekeeping
  • §1910.307 Hazardous Locations
  • §1910.1200 Hazard Communication
  • §1910.269 Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (coal handling)
  • §1910.272 Grain Handling Facilities
  • General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Employers must keep workplaces free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm).
 

Learn About Combustible Dust

Why Explosion Proof
News & Events
OSHA Fines for Combustible Dust
Combustible Dust Resources

ComDust_Housekeeping_Guide2

You may be required to use an explosive proof vacuum in your facility if you make any of the following items:

  • Abrasive products
  • Alumina and aluminum production and processing
  • Aluminum die-castings
  • Aluminum extruded products
  • Aluminum foundries
  • Beet sugar
  • Broadwoven fabric mills, manmade fiber and silk
  • Burial caskets
  • Cane sugar refining
  • Cellulosic manmade fibers
  • Chemicals and chemical preparations
  • Coating, engraving, and allied services
  • Crop preparation services
  • Custom compounding of purchased plastics resins
  • Drapery hardware and window blinds and shades
  • Electric and gas welding and soldering equipment
  • Electroplating, plating, polishing, anodizing, and coloring
  • Establishments engaged in the generation, transmission, and/or distribution of electric energy for sale
  • Fabricated metal products
  • Fabricated rubber products
  • Farm product warehousing and storage
  • Finishers of broadwoven fabrics of manmade fiber and silk
  • Flavoring extracts, syrups, powders
  • Flour and other grain mill products
  • Fresh cookies, crackers, pretzels, and similar "dry" bakery products
  • Guided missiles and space vehicles
  • Gum and wood chemicals
  • Industrial inorganic chemicals
  • Manufacturing industries
  • Metal cans
  • Metal heat treating
  • Metal stampings
  • Millwork
  • Miscellaneous fabricated wire products
  • Molded, extruded, and lathe-cut mechanical rubber goods
  • Motor vehicle parts and accessories
  • Noncurrent-carrying wiring devices
  • Nonferrous foundries, except aluminum and copper
  • Paints, varnishes, lacquers, enamels, and allied products
  • Pharmaceutical preparations
  • Plastic materials, synthetic resins, and nonvulcanizable elastomers
  • Plastics foam products
  • Plastics materials and basic forms and shapes
  • Plastics products
  • Prefabricated wood buildings and components
  • Prepared foods and miscellaneous food specialties
  • Primary production of aluminum
  • Reconstituted wood products
  • Refuse systems
  • Sanitary treatment facilities
  • Sawmills and planing mills
  • Scrap and waste materials
  • Secondary smelting and refining of nonferrous metals
  • Soap and other detergents, except specialty cleaners
  • Structural wood members
  • Textile goods
  • Tires and inner tubes
  • Transportation equipment
  • Unsupported plastics film and sheet
  • Unsupported plastics profile shapes
  • Wet corn milling
  • Wood household furniture, except upholstered
  • Wood kitchen cabinets
  • Wood products