Instruction details OSHA policies and procedures for inspecting workplaces that handle combustible dusts

The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued new details about their policies and procedures for inspecting workplaces that handle combustible dusts.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., commented: "With this National Emphasis Program, we will focus our efforts on the fire and explosion hazards that may exist at facilities where combustible dusts accumulate. A combustible dust fire and/or explosion is a potential hazard to America's working men and women. This instruction will be a valuable resource for those who inspect industrial facilities in the United States."

“A combustible dust fire and/or explosion is a potential hazard to America's working men and women. This instruction will be a valuable resource for those who inspect industrial facilities in the United States.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr

OSHA said: “Combustible dusts are often either organic or metal dusts that are finely ground into very small particles, fibers, chips, and/or flakes. These dusts can come from metal, wood, plastic and organic materials such as grain, flour, sugar, paper, soap and dried blood. Dusts can also come from textile materials. Some of the industries in which combustible dusts are particularly prevalent include agriculture, chemical, textile, forest and the furniture industry.”

The instruction provides detailed information on OSHA's inspection scheduling, resource allocation, inspection resources and procedures.

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