House-Keeping: Combustible Dust Hazards-Podcast#3

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I like to welcome Jon Barrett a graduate from Temple University and Business Development Specialist at Interior Maintenance Company, Inc. to ComDust Podcast #3. We had the opportunity to discuss the importance of regular housekeeping at facilities that accumulate combustible dust during the manufacturing process.

Interior Maintenance Company, Inc.(IMC) located in Lansdowne, PA serving the Mid-Atlantic Region since 1973.was founded in by Chuck and Maria Mongiello, for the purpose of providing quality contract cleaning services for commercial facilities. Joined by sons Chuck in 1986 and Matt in 1990, IMC remains a family owned and operated business employing over ninety dedicated associates.

Housekeeping is an important aspect at any facility that handles combustible particulate solids that generate combustible dust. A regular cleaning program minimizing the fuel source must be implemented which lessens the likelihood and reduces the severity of potential combustible dust related fires and explosion.

Surfaces such as rafters, ceiling trusses, piping, conduit, lighting, ductwork, and other flat surfaces that accumulate combustible dust, fibers, and flings must be cleaned on a regular basis. In large facilities these hidden areas can encompass over 5% of the facility, enough to create a catastrophic dust explosion when a weaker primary explosion or deflagration creates a disturbance where these particles will float down meeting an ensuing flame front.

Good Housekeeping

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Utilizing high reach and high lift mechanized equipment, along with ladders and scaffolding, IMC technicians are able to safely access the above areas. Safety is IMC's main concern, and all IMC technicians are trained to perform the work in compliance with OSHA Standards requiring the proper Fall Protection and the use of safety harness' and lanyards.

Cleaning is typically performed by using HEPA-filtered vacuums with attached brushes to provide surface cleaning of loose particulate debris. Wet wiping, or wiping with a chemically treated cloth, are also methods utilized to control the dust and debris from cross contaminating into other areas.

Give IMC a call for a combustible dust hazards evaluation concerning your next cleaning schedule.