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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).
 
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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