OSHA on Combustible Dust Hazards

Since 1980, more than 130 workers have been killed and more than 780 injured in combustible dust explosions. The most recent of these plant explosions was the February 2008 Georgia sugar plant explosion and the Illinois pet food plant dust explosion in April 2009. OSHA is now on its way to evaluating new regulatory methods. "OSHA is reinvigorating the regulatory process to ensure workers receive the protection they need while also ensuring that employers have the tools needed to make their workplaces safer," says OSHA Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Whether or not you work in or around combustible dusts, it's important to know what they are. According to an OSHA news release, combustible dusts are solids that are ground into fine particles, fibers, chips, chunks or flakes that can cause a fire or explosion when suspended in air under certain conditions. Types of dusts include metal (aluminum and magnesium), wood, plastic or rubber, coal, flour, sugar and paper, among others.

It was requested by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board in 2006 that OSHA issue a combustible dust standard, and the CSB has since given OSHA further support during a 2008 congressional hearing to release such a standard. Stay posted for further news on a new combustible dust standard that could potentially save hundreds or thousands of lives.

It is important to stay updated on all OSHA regulations to ensure your workplace and employees are following the most up to date safety standards on the job. The proper safety gear and apparel should be worn and used at all times and can drastically reduce or eliminate workplace injuries and deaths. When working around dust, chemicals and fine particles it is essential to wear respiratory protection. Respiratory protection includes dust masks, N95 masks, half face respirators and full face respirators. (Although respiratory protection keeps your lungs safe, it does not work to prevent dust explosions so it is essential to keep yourself updated on OSHA, and its workings to establish new guidelines with combustible dusts.)