A Hidden Hazard - Identifying, Understanding and Preventing Combustible Dust Explosions in Forest Industry Facilities

When a dust fire or explosion event (deflagration) occurs in any facility the results are significant and the consequences can range from only a simple clean-up and/or minor personnel injuries to catastrophic property damage with significant personnel injuries and even the possibility of fatalities. The follow up reviews from these dust explosion incidents has shown that there is a general lack of understanding of this hazard. The forest products industries contain recognized sources of dust hazards. There is a need for better understanding, training and awareness of the potential for dust hazards on the part of employers, employees and forest industry type facility owner operators. The intent of this paper is to provide a basic level of understanding of this subject and to provide useful reference and resource materials.