Combustible Dust | Crime Scene Cleanup

Today, I leaned a new term “Combustible Dust”.  I didn’t believe it at first . . . how can dust explode.  But, after further investigation, I’m convinced it’s true.  Granted, I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, and many of you may already be experts on this subject, but here is some information for those of you like me.

Evidently certain types of dust, under the right conditions, can explode in the same fashion as a bomb.  While most types of dust will need an ignition source, such as: a flame, hot surface or electrical discharge, some dust can spontaneously ignite in the air.While doing our job, whether it’s crime scene cleanup, dealing with a suicide, unattended death or gross filth, it’s not uncommon for us to tear up floors, walls and ceilings.  What do we often find while doing this, DUST!  Granted, most of the time there’s not enough dust to worry about, even if it would decide to explode.  But, what about the work we may be called upon to do in a large factory or old apartment complex?

Although the best way to prevent a dust explosion is to prevent the dust from accumulating, as crime scene cleanup tecnicians, we have no control over that.  The second best way to prevent a dust explosion is through education.  Our employees and co-workers must be aware of the factors that may contribute to a dust explosion.  Knowing about various types of dust, the factors that cause an explosion and types of ignition sources may serve to keep all of us a little safer while we do our job.

For more information about combustible dust, please visit http://www.osha.gov/dsg/combustibledust/index.html