What do a sugar refinery and a metal works have in common? Both generate dust particles that can explode.
Combustible dust can occur in many different industries including agriculture, food production, chemical manufacturing, recycling, wood working, textiles and others, according to Safety and Health Magazine. Even seemingly innocuous dust from flour and corn starch can cause fires.
Most combustible dusts are created when materials are being ground, cut, or polished, but also can occur during transportation, handling, and shaping. When these residues dry and build up, a safety hazard is created.
When dust is either confined in an enclosed area, or suspended in a thick concentration in the air, flash fires can occur. The ignition sources can be as simple as sparks from static electricity.
The key to prevention is stopping buildup of particles and regular cleaning. It's also essential to control static electricity and separate heated surfaces from dust.
