Rachel Brutosky, Public Relations Coordinator at Nilfisk-Advance America, looks at the importance utilizing explosion proof vacuums when cleaning up combustible dust in the workplace

John Astad underlines the importance of global collaboration when looking at ways to combat the risk of combustible dust fires and explosion hazards.

John Astad considers the importance of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and asks if they ask the right questions, and how stakeholders can manage the risk in the workplace if important fire and explosion data is lacking?

John reports on a public hearing held in Georgia recently concerning combustible dust regulations while in the latest podcast features Jeff Romine, a Corporate Safety Director for a national flooring manufacturer, who attended the Georgia hearing shares with listeners a first hand perspective of industry concerns that were presented.

John reports on the findings and recommendations of the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) after their final investigation report from September 24, 2009 on the dust explosion at Imperial Sugar Refinary.

John considers the importance of housekeeping - namely, making sure you keep facilities clean and free from dust build up in minimizing the probability and reducing the severity of combustible dust related fires and explosions

Combustible dust related fires and explosions occur on an international basis with alarming regularity. Most importantly global trading partners utilize similar manufacturing processes where fuel loads and ignition sources are continually present.

Adopting layers of protection with administrative controls and best engineering practices will reduce the probability of occurrence and severity of fires and explosions. Stakeholders can gain an understanding of the degree of risk at facilities through an understanding of global incidents where particular trends emerge over a period of time.

The combustible dust section in the Industrial Fire Journal will provide a venue on an international basis with stakeholders sharing information that assists in providing a comprehensive awareness on the complex subject of combustible dust hazards in the workplace.

John looks at the  International Symposium, “Beyond Regulatory Compliance, Making Safety Second Nature,” held at the Hilton College Station Conference Center adjacent to the Texas A&M University in College Station, TX October 27-28 2009.

John Astad, Director/Research Analyst for Combustible Dust Policy Institute, looks at the fallout from an explosion at a sugar factory in the United States last year.