Safety Tip of the Week -Combustible Dust

While work activities such as drilling, sawing, or using hand-operated portable electrical equipment may not fit the definition of hot work, they can still present an ignition source when working around combustible dust.

Prior to using hand-operated portable equipment in a grain handling facility make sure to:

Thoroughly clean and remove combustible dust from the work area prior to starting the job.
Ensure that there is no airborne dust present in the work area. If airborne dust is present, do not use hand operated portable equipment.
Protect equipment that contains combustible dust (spouts, conveyance, bucket elevator legs) by erecting non-combustible barriers such as fire-resistant tarps or screens.
Shut down, lock and tagout, and clean equipment when work poses an ignition risk to combustible dust within the equipment.
Cover and seal all floor and wall openings to prevent sparks or hot materials from migrating out of the work area.
Avoid work using spark-producing portable power tools and propellant actuated tools where combustible dust is present. Propellant actuated tools rely on a propellant charge similar to one that discharges a blank firearm cartridge.

When the use of spark-producing or propellant actuated tools becomes necessary the following procedures should be followed:

1. All dust producing machinery and equipment in the area must be shut down.

2. The use of spark-producing or propellant actuated tools shall be authorized by the use of a hot work permit.

After completion of work requiring the use of propellant actuated tools, an inspection of the work area should be made to ensure that no cartridges or powder charges are left on the premises where they could be accidentally discharged.

Remember, safety doesn’t have to be difficult, simple steps such as thoroughly cleaning the work area and removing combustible dust prior to using hand operated portable electric equipment, can prevent fires and explosions and save lives.