What do I need to do to be protected from combustible dust?
What industries may be affected by combustible dust?
Does OSHA have any requirements regarding workers exposed to combustible dust?
Combustible dust is a big issue at my company.  Will FR clothing protect me?

What do I need to do to be protected from combustible dust?
Multi-step mitigation processes are necessary to ensure that you are adequately protected from combustible dust because of the complexity of the hazard.FR clothing, as a secondary protective method, may be effective in preventing or mitigating the severe burn injuries that may occur when an explosion happens.

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What industries may be affected by combustible dust?
Dozens of industries have the potential to be affected by combustible dust. OSHA has identified 66 potential industries in its National Emphasis Program. Among them are manufacturing, oil and gas, and plastics and furniture manufacturing. These industries should take special precautions to guard against combustible dust. 

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Does OSHA have any requirements regarding workers exposed to combustible dust?

OSHA is currently working to create an enforceable standard applicable to all industries that will address the concerns of all parties involved.OSHA recently released a memorandum to 1910.269 that specifies FR in the oil, gas, and manufacturing industries.

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Combustible dust is a big issue at my company. Will FR clothing protect me?

At this time, several voluntary, industry-specific NFPA standards address combustible dust mitigation. A few OSHA standards exist that are industry-specific. OSHA is working now to create an enforceable standard, although a timeline for this standard has not yet been agreed upon. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions, however. OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on combustible dust has been targeting several industries (namely refineries and chemical manufacturing companies) and delivering hefty citations to violators of the General Duty Clause. Expect an enforceable OSHA standard imminently that may require FR clothing.

OSHA.gov and NFPA.org are both excellent resources for current information and mitigation strategies regarding combustible dust. FR clothing will provide a measure of protection in the event of an explosion, but should not be worn to the exclusion of other safety precautions.

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