According to OSHA, there have been at least 350 combustible dust explosions in the United States since 1980, resulting in more than 130 fatalities and 800 injuries. In many of these incidents both the employers and the employees were unaware that a hazard even existed or that their workplace was considered a high-risk environment. A common problem appears to be a serious lack of awareness and therefore a lack of precaution in the areas of:
As a result, OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) now seriously focus on combustible dust potential regulation and practical recommendations. One of the most important mandatory regulations being implemented is to perform a thorough risk evaluation (also known as a hazard assessment) at your facility. This is essential in identifying and eliminating factors that could contribute to an explosion.