WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently released Hazard Communication Guidance for Combustible Dusts, a document that assists chemical manufacturers and importers in recognizing the potential of dust explosions.

In addition, the document identifies protective measures and the requirements for disseminating this information on materials safety data sheets and labels.

Wood dust is among the types of dusts covered by the document. Others include plastic, rubber, paper, text and certain textiles.

The document addresses the combustible dust standards in relation to the Hazard Communication

Standard, which is designed to ensure that chemical hazards are evaluated and the information concerning them is transmitted to employers and employees.

“Recent events have shown the devastation of combustible dust explosions resulting in worker loss of life and injuries,” said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. “This guidance document is a useful resource to prevent potentially catastrophic events.”

Download Hazard Communication Guidance for Combustible Dusts.