"The primary purpose of this document is to protect emergency responders from harm by giving them a framework for gathering the necessary information prior to an emergency and converting it into safe operating procedures. In this document, emergency responders include firefighters, fire brigade members, hazardous materials teams, and others who might be called upon to respond when a fire or explosion occurs."states the OSHA booklet. The booklet explains combustible dust explosions and how they occur. Preparation that can be made before a response and precautions that can be made during an emergency response are detailed. Another concern for first responders is the proper use of fire extinguishers, hose stream, equipment compatibility, and ventilation that are used. The OSHA document details combustible dust and the reactions of usual fire fighting chemicals. In some incidents the combination of explosive dust and water can escalate the incident resulting in injury or death.
Ventilation is a widely used practice by firefighters to remove heat and smoke, but can have catastrophic consequences when combustible dust is involved. Actions such as appropriate power shutdown, safety procedures and normally used tools that can ignite combustible sources are addressed.
With more than 130 workers killed and 780 injured in combustible dust explosions since 1980, the booklet should immediately impact the safety concerns of emergency responders, workers and employers.
Links:
To download the complete booklet: "OSHA Firefighting Precautions at Facilities with Combustible Dust".
To learn more about "Combustible Dust Collection"
Website: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
