Combustible Dust Explosion

Course Overview

When combustible dust is suspended in air and under right conditions, it can become explosive. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) identified at least 281 combustible dust incidents between 1980s and 2005.

In August 2014, a massive explosion took place at a factory in Kunshan, China, killing at least 75 people. News reports revealed that workers had long complained of dangerous levels of dust at the facility.

Recently, in February 2021 a big fire broke out at an industrial unit in Tuas, causing 3 deaths from injury and 5 people in critical conditions. Ministry of Manpower’s investigations found that the explosion was caused by combustible dust in a confined environment.

Course Objectives

In this short course, attendees will understand the fundamentals of combustible dust, its explosion characteristics and various control measures. Attendees will also be aware of the key considerations and preparations required for managing combustible dusts.

Course Outline

1. Past incidents and International Code and Standards for Combustible Dust Risk Management
2. Science of combustible dust
3. Dust explosion risk management
4. Dust control measures – prevention and protection techniques