"Exploding Dust"
Cleaning & Maintenance Management (11/08) Vol. 45, No. 11, Pullin, Beth

Companies that specialize in industrial cleaning should be aware of combustible dust, which was responsible for close to 300 plant explosion across the country over the last two decades. Exploding dust is comprised of combustible material, and the National Fire Protection Association says certain conditions must be in place for dust to explode. A large concentration of the explosive dust must be suspended in air in an enclosed space and in the presence of a large amount of oxygen and an ignition source, such as heat or electricity. To prevent dust from becoming airborne, cleaning specialists should not dust mop floors. Experts recommend an industrial wet/dry vacuum with an air compressor that generates no less than 25 horsepower, a 55-gallon ribbed drum, advanced powerheads, and an industrial drain on the bottom. Manually operated sweeping machines that trap dust and feature numerous rotating brushes to clean corners and edges also can be used.
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