“Often, we’re hesitant to identify a problem out of fear we can’t solve it. Knowing that we have to live with something that we’re unable to alter gives us a good reason to avoid verbalizing it–highlighting it just makes it worse.” – Seth Godin, author
Combustible dust hazards are a problem many facilities face. But when we talk to many facility managers in industries where combustible dust hazards are common only a few are aware of the potential risk of a dust explosion and fire due to their building’s dust accumulation.
Sometimes, even after we inform them that their facility may have combustible dust present, they decide to just take care of their dust issues “in-house”. Which, in short, means they plan to blow it down with compressed air and sweep it up — a violation of OSHA’s General Duty Clause, which results in thousands of dollars in OSHA fines each year. I recently spoke with one of the industrial hygienists at Kentucky’s OSHA office, and he said that the most common citations for combustible dust in Kentucky were for dust accumulations, and for improper cleaning. What’s worse, is that this practice puts employees at risk for injury or death.
The trouble with knowing that your facility may have combustible dust issues is that a solution must be found. The best way to prevent dust fires and explosions is through engineering controls, administrative controls, and housekeeping. As Seth Godin goes on to say in his blog, “Just because you don’t know what to do about it doesn’t make it less of a problem.” So much is at stake with employee safety and the risks that come with dust hazards. Combustible dust is a problem worth solving.
Hughes Environmental provides solutions for safely cleaning combustible dust hazards, and can help you solve your facility housekeeping worries. For more information, call 888-845-3952, or visit www.hughesenv.com
