Looking at Combustible Dust Hazards from a New Angle

Today we’re at the Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo in Indianapolis. This morning’s first session was on Understanding, Assessing, and Mitigating Combustible Dust Hazards featuring Ben Peetz, ASP, CFPS, Senior Loss Prevention Specialist, Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance. We’ve attended many conferences and seminars on combustible dust hazards and remediation, but along with risks that apply to facilities and employees that have combustible dust present, he also touched on the risks that first responders face, and how facilities can help keep emergency personnel safe.

A few key points:

First, if you have combustible dust in your facility, make sure your local fire department is aware and knows what you have. In the event of a fire, especially if there has not yet been an actual combustible dust explosion, firefighters may need to adjust their approach to the way they deal with the flames.

Next, always expect a combustible dust explosion. Stand back and away from any possible debris or dangers that could come flying if the fire leads to an explosion. Additionally, firefighters should establish hot, warm, and cold zones.

Invest in pre-planning before there is a combustible dust incident, and consider making sure that:

• The facility knows what to do in an emergency
• The fire department knows what to expect
• The fire department understands the dangers
• The fire department considers spread potential
• Consider the methods of applying water or other agents
• Consider how to unload/purge storage

Last, understand that sometimes it’s safer to let a unit burn.

For more information on combustible dust hazards, or to find out more about combustible dust cleaning, contact Hughes Environmental at 888-845-3952, or visit HughesEnv.com.