A dust fire occurs when dust as a source of fuel combines with an oxidant such as oxygen and sufficient heat to serve as an ignition source. The three elements combine to form what is referred to by firefighting professionals as the “fire triangle”. Businesses in a many industries have to structure their work environments to reduce the potential of a dust fire igniting. Dust fires can result from a variety of activities including from the use of sanding and grinding tools.  Industries exposed to the risk of dust fires include: agriculture, food processing, chemical manufacturing, plastics, grain, fertilizer, paper, pulp, forest, rubber, pesticides, furniture, textiles, dyes, coal mining, metal processing, tire manufacturing, recycling, and fossil fuel power generation.

The occurrence of a dust fire can prove destructive to lives, properties, families and entire communities. The ultimate consequence of a dust fire is death. Survivors of dust fires also may experience serious injuries and catastrophic injuries such as first degree burns, second degree burns, and third degree burns. Burn injuries rank among the most painful type of injuries that an individual can suffer and can result in a lifetime of serious medical issues that are expensive for the victims and their families to deal with. In too many cases, the injuries that result from a dust fire are entirely preventable but for the negligent or improper conduct of a third party, or but for the failure in the design of a product that showcased itself at a critical time. If you or a family member have been a victim of a dust fire that has caused a serious or catastrophic injury, call Attorney Robert A. Brenner or visit his website at http://www.attorneyrobertbrenner.com/. He can help you. Robert A. Brenner has over 35 years of experience representing victims of catastrophic injuries including victims of injuries that have resulted from a dust fire.

The owner of a factory, plant, or mine can minimize the likelihood that a dust fire will occur by implementing regular inspections for hazardous dust, maintaining a clean work environment through the use of proper dust collection systems and filters, using appropriate electrical equipment and wiring methods, and by separating heating systems from dusts. Owners of factories, plants, or mines also should have appropriate injury and damage control methods that kick into place in the event that a dust fire ignites.