Dust Can Go Boom!
Prepared for
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Overview
Applicable Regulations.
What causes Dust Explosions?
What can you do to prevent Dust Explosions?
Other engineering considerations for
Explosive Atmospheres.
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Applicable Regulations
O. Reg. 851 Section 63 - Process involves
risk of ignition or explosion of gas, vapour,
dust or fume….(PSR required)
O. Reg. 851 Section 64 – Hazard of dust
explosion created by foreign particles…
separator required…..
O. Reg. 851 Section 65 – Use of dust
collector for aluminum, magnesium or other
fine dust of an ignitable nature involves risk of
ignition or explosion….(PSR required)
O. Reg. 851 Section 66 – Compressed air
shall not be used for blowing dust….in such a
manner to endanger a worker.
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Enforcement
Northern Sawmills Inc. fined $80,000 after
workers suffered minor burns after a
baghouse fire and dust explosion.
1. Failing to ensure there was a spark
detection or suppression system in the
dust collector system between planer
and collector. (25(2)(h))
2. Failing to provide information, instruction
and supervision in dealing with a
possible explosion in the baghouse.
(25(2)(a))
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More Regulations
Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC)
Section 18 – Hazardous locations classification of electrical equipment used in:
Class II locations – combustible dusts
Class III locations – ignitable fibres or combustible
flyings
This prescribes equipment and installation
methods.
ESA will not approve power connection to a
hazardous area without an engineer’s sealed
drawing showing extent of the area and the
classification.
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More Regulations
Ontario
Fire Code Part 5 – Hazardous
Materials, Processes and Operations.
Section
5.10 - Combustible Dust Producing
Processes. Rules for dust collectors…..
Section 5.12 – Spray Application using
Flammable or Combustible Materials – this
can include combustible dusts e.g powder
coating. Rules for concentration,
ventilation, equipment, ductwork…..
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How does it “Go Boom”
Statistics for Ontario are scarce but quite well
documented in the USA. There have been
more than 120 workers killed, more than 700
severely injured, in more than 300
documented dust explosions in the last 25
years. Typically multiple deaths.
The following CSB video will talk about Dust
Explosions and how they occur using real life
examples:
Combustible Dust: An Insidious Hazard
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Common Issues
Lack of understanding of the hazard by users
and regulators.
MSDS not accurate (sorbitol example).
Use of compressed air and other dust
“movers”.
Poor housekeeping.
Improper equipment and building design.
Dust not analyzed.
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Preventive Measures
Risk assessments. Understand the hazards.
Training – at all levels.
PSR(s) required?
Are existing safeguards adequate for today’s operations
and do they meet current Fire Code and Electrical Safety
Code requirements?
Do you have any hazardous areas that need
classification due to combustible dusts? Do you have
specific safe work instructions for these areas – e.g. hot
work permits?
Perform your own dust test. 24 hour buildup on typical
horizontal surface less than 1/8” but surface colour not
discernible = Class II; colour visible = unclassified. More
than 1/32” of combustible dust over 5% of room’s surface
area can present significant explosion hazard.
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Applicable Codes & Standards
OHSA
and O. Reg. 851 as amended
Ontario Electrical Safety Code
Ontario Fire Code
WHMIS
Health
Canada Advertisement
WHMIS Announcement
NFPA
Standards: 61, 68, 69, 77, 484,
497, 499, 654, 655, 664
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Dust Hazard Rating
Published by New Zealand Department of
Labour 1985 – see attached.
OSHA Poster - Combustible Dust Poster
Combustible metals can include:
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Aluminum
Magnesium
Niobium
Tantalum
Titanium
Zirconium
Dust analysis will become very important for
anyone involved with nano particle
manufacturing or use.
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Engineering Considerations for
Explosive Atmospheres
Is a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR) required
under Section 7?
If the PSR was done, have you followed up on the
recommendations? e.g. battery charging areas.
Has the hazardous area been assessed by an engineer
for OESC classification? Is the electrical equipment
approved for the classification?
Are your forklifts rated for the classified area (505)?
Are your flammable storage cabinets grounded?
Do you have a good quality grounding and bonding
installation where required?
Is the grounding and bonding system checked and
verified on a regular basis?
Do you use approved equipment for ventilation, dust
collection and housekeeping?
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Reference Material Links
OSHA – www.osha.gov/dsg/combustibledust
NFPA - www.nfpa.org/
CSB - www.csb.gov/
WHMIS – www.whmis.gc.ca
ESA - www.esainspection.net/
CSA - www.csa.ca/cm/ca/en/home
Grounding – www.newson-gale.com
“Safe” Vacuums - www.tiger-vac.com/productline/category-2.html
Dust Analysis - www.emsl.com/
MOL Dust Collector Alert –
www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/alerts/i15.
php
MOL Woodworking operations Data Sheet 4-12
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Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us!
C&R Engineered Solutions
8193 Esquesing Line
Milton ON L9T 2X9
905-864-0400
Laurence Polley, B.Sc., MBA, P.Eng., CHSC
lpolley@engineeredsolutions.ca
Cell: 416-209-7282
John Mulhall, Master Electrician
jmulhall@engineeredsolutions.ca
Cell: 416-801-2981
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