If your business specializes in fabricated metal production, your installation is most probably equipped with a dust collection system. The design of such systems requires expertise and few manufacturers possess the necessary inside knowledge in air decontamination. For this reason, this last post will address the required minimum specifications for a dust collection system handling highly explosive metallic particulate matter.

In two previous posts, we highlighted those elements that may jeopardize the health and safety of personnel working in fabricated metal product businesses. We then identified highly explosive metals and associated risks found in different manufacturing sectors. In the same vein, this article addresses potentially hazardous situations in the workplace and their prevention.

NFPA 484 addresses combustible metals. The standard provides guidance for prevention as well as recommended practices for the safe management of highly explosive metallic materials generated at different processing steps. Before we explore preventive measures, let us first correctly identify the highly combustible metal.