Dust in the Workplace – An Explosive Topic

The risk of a dust explosion occurring in the workplace is not as remote a possibility as people might think. A dust explosion requires only three things: air, combustible dust and a source of ignition such as an electrical spark or hot surface.

Indeed, many companies are potentially at risk here. Why? Because combustible dusts are present in many process manufacturing environments. Wood shavings, carbon dust, flour, custard powder, sugar, coffee, tea and aluminium dust are just some examples of highly combustible dusts. The problem is when these combustible dusts are left to gather on hot surfaces in a workplace, such as on an overheated electric motor or fan. This can cause smouldering fires to occur, or can cause an explosion when the dust is kicked up, for example, by a person opening a nearby window.

Dust explosions can have catastrophic consequences because the initial shock wave resulting from the explosion kicks up more dust, which triggers a chain reaction through the plant, often resulting in mass destruction of equipment and buildings, as well as causing possible death or injury to employees.