Combustible Dust
Safety
Food manufacturing workers are
subject to hazardous exposure from combustible
dusts—substances that, if combined with a source of ignition (heat) and an
oxidizer (oxygen), may produce a combustible dust explosion.
The bakery and grain mill sectors are especially susceptible to risk of
dust exposure and explosion because of combustible agricultural flour dusts
such as oat flour, potato flour, rice flour, rye flour, and wheat flour that
are used in sector operations. These sectors, as well as confectionary and candy manufacturers, also use other common bakery
ingredients like sugar and spices, both of which are also combustible
agricultural dusts as well.
All workplaces where workers are exposed to combustible dusts should post this OSHA poster.
Combustible Dust Hazards and Solutions
Combustible
dust explosions can cause fires, flying debris, and even the collapse of building
components. Employers should be aware of how explosions may occur and how to prevent
such occurrences. Furthermore, employers should consider taking the following
steps to minimize the risk of dust explosions.