OSHA Aims to Protect Emergency Workers from Combustible Dust Fires

May 28, 2013- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published an informative new booklet covering safety procedures for emergency responders who may face fires and explosions due to combustible dust — a hazard which has killed over 130 workers since 1980 (and injured more than 780).

The U.S. Department of Labor's press release stated "Combustible dusts include fine particles, fibers, chips, chunks or flakes that, under certain conditions, can cause a fire or explosion when suspended in air. Types of dusts include metal (for example, aluminum and magnesium), wood, plastic, rubber, coal, flour, sugar and paper, among others."

OSHA's combustible dust web page offers additional information for both employers and workers in preparing for, preventing and minimizing the damage of these incidents.

A pdf of the booklet, which details the related hazards and best practices for pre-emptive preparation, is embedded in the full release.

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