The explosion might not be contained to the immediate vicinity. Dust explosions spread from the small explosion around an ignition source to the rest of the facility. In these cases, the initial explosion stirs up the dust in the rest of the facility, and then that dust ignites. The secondary explosion can be significant, injuring or killing workers and destroying property.

What is combustible dust ?

Combustible dust, also known as explosive dust, is a by-product created from manufacturing processes that involve combustible raw materials. Combustible dust is any fine material that has the ability to catch fire and explode when mixed with air. Many materials can become combustible dust under specific conditions. Examples include:

• Wood, textiles, plastics
• Agricultural products such as flour, sugar, grain, tobacco and spices
• Light metals such as aluminum, magnesium and titanium
• Coal, carbon
• Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber

While practically invisible to the human eye, combustible dust particles are a deadly hazard in many workplaces and industries. Certain conditions can cause the dust to become explosive, potentially killing or injuring workers, and destroying machinery or even entire facilities. Explosive or potentially explosive atmospheres can also occur where flammable gases or fumes derived from chemicals or petroleum products are present.

Identify explosive atmospheres

Dust can pile up almost anywhere in a workplace. Inside, on and around of machines and produced items. Rafters, roofs, suspended ceilings and ducts are also common areas, partly because they are located remotely and hard to reach. According to the ATEX directive, employers must investigate where in a workplace dust is created and whether it is combustible or not.

ATEX and NFPA regulations applying to combustible dust environments

The European Community has passed two directives on explosive atmospheres; ATEX directives 2014/34/EU “Equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX) and 99/92/EC “ATEX workplace directive”. The application of these two directives has led to increased protection against explosions, making various technical and organizational actions mandatory. Similarly in North America, NFPA standards NFPA 61 "Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Foodprocessing Facilities, NFPA 69 “Explosion Prevention Systems”, NFPA 652 “Fundamentals of Combustible Dust“, NFPA 654 "Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids" and NFPA 664 “Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities” are applicable.

Nederman´s combustible dust solutions

Nederman offers safe and reliable solutions for handling combustible dust and gases. Based on the customer’s risk evaluation, we recommend suitable equipment for each application. The products are designed to comply with the ATEX and NFPA directives.