Circular saws can be a dangerous tool to use- OSHA has almost 500 reports of workers injured using one on the job. With all the risks involved with a spinning blade, worrying about causing an explosion is not something that workers typically worry about when operating a circular saw.
However, that’s exactly what happened to an employee at a Portland, Oregon business.
A worker was using a circular saw at a metal polishing business when his saw threw off sparks that entered the business’ dust collection system. The worker was using the saw while working on the company’s dust collection hopper, when the sparks from the saw ignited combustible materials nearby.
According to workers nearby the sparks caused an explosion in the dust hopper, and the fire then spread to the roof structure and the ductwork for the dust collection system. Luckily the fire was extinguished before too much damage could be done, and the workers evacuated before anyone was severely injured.
To prevent accidental explosions, combustible dust must be cleaned carefully with equipment designed for combustible dust collection. Hughes Environmental technicians are trained in the remediation of these explosion hazards and use equipment designed for combustible dust cleaning. Contact us now to find out how we can help you avoid a fire and damage to your facility.
Employees worried about their safety or who notice possible violations being committed are able to anonymously contact OSHA to file a complaint or request an inspection by calling 800-321-OSHA (6742) or visiting https://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/complain.html