Combustible Dust Hazards
Fire Safety | 15-20 min
Summary
Between 2006 and 2017, combustible dust incidents killed 50 workers and injured 310 more in the United States alone. The 2008 Imperial Sugar explosion in Georgia killed 14 workers and injured 36 others, demonstrating the catastrophic potential of accumulated combustible dust. Perhaps most surprising is that common materials like flour, sugar, sawdust, and metal powders become explosive when suspended in air as fine particles.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Many common materials become explosive when finely divided
- Accumulations as thin as a paper clip can be hazardous
- Never use compressed air for cleaning dust
- Maintain proper housekeeping to prevent accumulations
- Control ignition sources in dusty environments
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 15-20 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.