It is difficult to imagine a construction work
site—especially one involving roof system removal and/or
installation—without a fair amount of visible dust.
Environmental, health and safety professionals rightly focus on
hazards related to dust generated from cutting products containing
sand; asbestos fibers in dust created during demolition or
installation operations; and a variety of other dusts that pose
risks to workers.
However, some recent manufacturing-related incidents have drawn
attention to the risks associated with another type of dust
that—though rare at construction work sites—can have
catastrophic effects: combustible dust.
Different from other dust types, combustible dust's significant
hazard is not related to worker inhalation, absorption or ingestion
of dust but fire and explosion hazards associated with dust.
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