How Do Safety Consultants Judge and Prevent Combustible Dust Fire Hazards?
In the workplace, combustible dust can pose certain risks to those around it. Some kinds of dust can be more combustible than others, and there are certain elements that cause them to explode. Luckily, the right fire and explosion consultants can test for it and raise awareness, which can reduce the risk of explosions.
Combustible Dust Dangers
In the workplace, combustible dust can be highly dangerous. The force of an explosion can destroy buildings while injuring or killing those present. Many employees do not know that there can be a hazard, but many kinds of industries can have dust explosions. Several elements are necessary for dust combustion. This is the Dust Explosion Pentagon. These are:
- Fuel for burning.
- The right concentrate of dust particles in the air.
- Confined dust cloud.
- An ignition source.
Identifying the Hazards
One of the rules of thumb when it comes to dust is that if you can write in the dust, or the thickness is similar to a paperclip, it can be hazardous. Do a risk assessment and look for potential sources of ignition. Not all kinds of dust are combustible, so you might need to do some research to see if it has the potential for combustion.
Testing the Dust
You might not know if your dust is combustible, so safety consulting engineers might recommend sending samples to test. The lab can evaluate the characteristics of it. A dust collection system is best for gathering the sample. Or your consultants can gather a sample using their tools.
There are several tests that a lab might use to assess how combustible your dust is and whether you might need to take action. This might include a minimum ignition energy test on a layer of dust.
Preventing Explosive Dust
You should avoid allowing dust to accumulate on horizontal surfaces, including beams and window ledges. Reduce any hidden areas where dust might be unnoticeable. You should also have rough ceilings and cover cables and pipes. Or put them in the walls to reduce areas where dust can accumulate.
The right fire and explosion consultants can help you develop dust control and inspection programs, as well as a program to control potential ignition sources. It is important to educate your employees on the dangers of combustible dust.
Choose the Best Safety Consultant in Toronto
As long as your employees stay aware of how risky combustible dust can be and follow advice from safety consulting engineers, they can reduce the risk of an explosion occurring. If you want to know more about preventing an explosion, feel free to contact today.