In line with the HSE directives on fire hazards, the presence of dusts should always be mitigated with adequate ventilation, cleaning and maintenance as far as possible. However, there are situations where dust can cause an explosive hazard or accelerate catastrophic fires if it has built up to a sufficient concentration and is ignited by any heat source.
At the same time as ensuring that anyone working in an environment with significant dust levels is using compliant RPE with the relevant dust filters, it is also important that ATEX rated respiratory equipment is used to reduce the risk of any spark igniting dust suspended in the atmosphere and causing an explosion.
Read further Expert Insight on ATEX risks here.
Read further Expert Insights on the dangers of dust inhalation here.
At Anchor Safety our specialists can help you decide on the best respiratory protection for dust as well as the most appropriate ATEX equipment for an explosive atmosphere. We can also support you in maintaining your RPE equipment to prevent dust build-up, as recommended by HSE.
Talk to our experts