The Dangers of Combustible Dust - Why Proper Abatement is Necessary

Combustible dust is incredibly hazardous in a workplace. Small particles of combustible material, reaching a certain concentration with an oxidant and ignition source present, can explode suddenly and violently, leading to injuries, damaged property, and in some cases, death. 

Sources and Threats 

Many materials can turn into combustible dust, even things you would not expect could explode. Food materials like spices or grain, plastics, wood, dyes, metal, and many other industrial products can easily become deadly dust. Ignition can be sparked through something as simple as friction, static electricity, or an overheated piece of machinery. 

Successful Clean-Up 

The proper abatement or cleanup of combustible dust is very important in maintaining a safe workplace.

ENVIRO-VAC's Industrial vacuum services provide a safe & efficient cleanup of combustible dust. The techniques and equipment involved in this process are far more complex than regular vacuuming! In order to combat combustible dust, the vacuums must be safe, grounded and not create any potential for ignition. Vacuum crews must protect themselves with proper training and personal protective equipment. 

Before the actual clean up takes place, however, a combustible dust abatement company should conduct a risk assessment identifying potential hazards and develop site-specific work procedures in order to safely remove as much dust as possible. This is the best way to ensure hazardous materials will be removed without issues, and in fact, is a regulatory requirement for health and safety. 

Prevention 

Regular industrial vacuuming and cleaning is a good way to prevent dangerous dust buildup. Taking care of dust as it appears means it is far less likely to reach dangerous levels within a workplace, keeping personnel and property safe and secure. 

The presence of combustible dust in a workplace is not something that can or should be ignored. If combustible dust is identified as a hazard, it should be dealt with immediately and removed by an expert dust abatement company.

Expertise of Trained Personnel

The capabilities of our personnel, our certificates of approval, and our long-term focus on innovation has driven our reputation for delivering cost efficient and flexible environmental contracting services and abatement of hazardous materials and from the early beginning, our expertise in industrial vacuum services.

Enviro-Vac is one of the largest privately owned hazardous materials abatement and decontamination contractors in Canada. They offer a full suite of services in hazardous materials abatement, decontamination and industrial vacuum services including negative pressure shrink- wrap containments and are available to work both small and large-scale projects across Canada. The head office is based in Surrey, BC.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about hazardous materials abatement, decontamination, industrial vacuum services and industrial dust down or negative pressure shrink-wrap containments, please call us on our toll-free number, 1 (888) 296-2499.