May 3, 2021 Safety Tip of the Week delivered to your inbox each Monday by GrainnetSafety.com
Smoking Can Ignite Grain Dust
Lit cigarettes can ignite grain dust in suspension and dust that has settled on adjacent surfaces resulting in flash fires, explosions, or smoldering fires. The ignition temperature of grain dust varies depending on the commodity handled.
The temperature of a lit cigarette, whether being drawn on or not can easily ignite grain dust. Drawing on a cigarette introduces oxygen, causing the lit portion to burn at a higher temperature.
Temperature Without Drawing:
Side of the lit portion - 752 degrees Fahrenheit
Middle of the lit portion - 112 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature During Drawing:
Middle of the lit portion - 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit
Preventing Ignition of Grain Dust From Smoking
To prevent lit cigarettes from igniting grain dust:
Develop a written "No Smoking" policy that defines areas where smoking is prohibited, designated smoking areas where smoking is allowed, or prohibits smoking on facility property.
Communicate the "No Smoking" policy verbally and in writing to employees, visitors, drivers, and contractors.
Post "No Smoking" signage throughout the facility to include entrances to the facility, truck-receiving areas, entrances to operating areas, and within operating areas.
Enforce the "No Smoking" policy with contractors, visitors, drivers, and employees.
This Safety Tip of the Week originally published July 16, 2018.
