Explosion Hazards
Employees are often exposed to explosion hazards without
their knowledge. In addition to substances (such as dynamite)
that are designed specifically for the purpose of creating
explosions, there are substances that will cause an explosion
when present in certain concentrations and exposed to an ignition
source. SOs to control these hazards include:
A. Combustible dust: Combustible dust concentrations must
be controlled at or below 25% of the lower explosive limit
(LEL) unless all ignition sources are eliminated or identified
and specifically controlled.
5174(a)
- Accumulated and settled combustible dusts must be cleaned
up to prevent a fire or explosion.
5174(b)
- Cleaning with compressed air and blowing combustible
dust may be done only when other methods cannot be used,
when possible sources of ignition have been eliminated,
and when hoses and nozzles are grounded.
5174(f)
B. Flammable vapors: Ventilation in enclosed places must
be sufficient to prevent flammable vapor or gas concentrations
from exceeding 25% of the LEL.
5416(a)
No source of ignition is permitted indoors or outdoors where
vapor or gas concentrations may reasonably be expected to
exceed 25% of the LEL.
5416(c)
Note: Check also for confined space conditions (5158)
and hazardous locations. (2540.1)
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