Safety meetings related to safety hazard evaluation and recognition
Colors and markings communicate important safety information to workers both on and off the job. Most people encounter and recognize some safety cues every day from colors and markings they see routinely (traffic signals). Unfortunately, we observe some colors or markings so often that they just seem to become part of the background clutter.
In the past 28 years, about 300 dust explosions have killed more than 120 workers and injured several hundred more in sugar plants, food processors, and many industrial and wood manufacturers. In most cases, sound housekeeping practices and good occupational safety and health programs could have prevented these accidents.
Most combustible dust explosions have two or more distinct phases. The fi rst explosion may happen inside processing equipment or in areas where fugitive dust accumulates. The initial blast may dislodge additional dust or damage a collection system (such as a duct, vessel or collector). If ignited, this dust causes additional explosions.