Maintaining safety at work should be the primary concern of any business owner. Nothing is more important than the well-being of those in your organization. Regardless of what your company does, there are also some elements of injury risk. However, some industries are more prone than others to encountering accidents and other potentially hazardous or even deadly incidents.
In some settings, combustible dust is present, which can start fires or even lead to explosions. If you are concerned about these issues, you should get in touch with an experienced safety consultant in Toronto. This professional can help you identify problem areas and cut back on the chances of these problems occurring or repeating.
An Explanation of Combustible Dust
You and your employees might be familiar with the concept of combustible dust. But, do you understand what it is and what it can lead to? Fire and explosion consultants can help you better understand these issues. They will teach you that combustible dust is fine material that catches fire and explodes when it mixes with oxygen. When the dust is agitated and meets a heat source, fires can start, and explosions can even occur. The consequences can be disastrous and deadly.
Combustible dust can be in metals, chemicals, rubber, wool, and many agricultural products. When someone handles, transports, cuts, or mixes these materials, these dangerous reactions can take place.
Point Out the Hazards
The first way to reduce the chances of workplace incidents with combustible dust is to recognize areas of concern. Safety consulting engineers can help you inspect your workplace for areas that pose risks to employees and your facility. One of the biggest signs that the dust is possibly combustible is if it is thick.
Test the Dust
Never take risks or assume that dust is not combustible. If you have concerns or are unsure of a potential hazard, have a professional test the dust for combustibility. A laboratory technician will test a sample to see whether it has the potential to explode. When collecting a sample, exercise caution and use a dust-collecting system.
Implement Preventive Measures
The best way to prevent issues is to be vigilant and establish proper safeguards. Follow the advice of safety inspectors and officials. Avoid dust accumulation on window ledges, beams, and other surfaces. Cover pipes and cables or make sure they are hidden in walls. You should also regularly inspect your facility for risky or problematic areas. Make sure your employees know about these risks and what combustible dust can do.
Protect Your Workers and Your Facility Today
Take the matters of combustible dust seriously. Make sure you speak with a safety consultant in Toronto at S.A.F.E. Engineering, Inc. to determine what steps you can take to improve safety in your workplace.