Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is combustible dust?
Dust particles that can catch fire and/or cause an explosion.
What is the combustible dust fire and explosion pentagon?
The fire elements that must be necessary for a combustible dust fire or explosion to occur. They are fuel, oxygen, an ignition source (such as fire or electricity), dispersion of dust particles in a cloud, and confinement of that dust cloud (such as in a room or a vessel).
What are some ways that the risk of a combustible dust fire or explosion can be reduced?
The best way to do this is to ensure that all five elements of the fire and explosion pentagon are not present together at any one time. The two elements that are easiest to control are the fuel source and ignition source.
What factors contribute to the risk of an explosion?
The size of the dust particles, the chemical properties of the dust, the moisture content, and the dispersion of the dust cloud.
What are some ways to reduce the effects of an explosion should one occur?
Installing ventilation, using pressure-relief venting on equipment, using spark/ember detection and extinguishing systems, and using explosion protection systems, sprinkler systems, and other specialized suppression systems.