Combustible dust research organization Dust Safety Science published a new episode of its podcast this week that features an interview with Powder & Bulk Solids Managing Editor John S. Forrester on media coverage of dust explosions and fires. 

The organization’s founder, Dr. Chris Cloney, spoke with Forrester on how the “combustible dust news reporting ecosystem” works – from coverage by traditional and trade media, awareness-generating efforts and analysis by Dust Safety Science and universities, to high-value reports generated by agencies and organizations like the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB).

“Local media does a good job of publishing initial reports and drawing some attention to the problem. Trade media frames these incidents for an industry audience. Organizations like Dust Safety Science, Purdue University, and the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center (to name a few) collect and analyze this data,” Cloney wrote in the podcast description. “There are also conferences such as the Powder Show, which will be taking place in Toronto this year, and webinars like the Online events offered by Powder & Bulk Solids, all of which spread awareness.”

Forrester describes how all these fragmented pieces come together to help a wide range of stakeholders understand the constant challenges and risks posed by combustible dust. Audiences for news and analysis of combustible dust incidents include the process industry, equipment manufacturers, regulators, the fire protection community, and standard-setting organizations like the NFPA. 

Dust Safety Science is involved in one of the first comprehensive efforts to collect data on dust-related fires and explosions. The organization maintains a global data set of combustible dust incidents, issues annual and semi-annual reports on incidents, publishes a weekly newsletter, and provides a directory of companies offering prevention and protection solutions.

“This interview with John emphasizes the wisdom and value of going beyond traditional news sources alone and partnering with sources like university groups, government groups, and trade magazines like Powder & Bulk Solids to create a more robust system for sharing, tracking, and capturing information about combustible dust incidents,” said Cloney. 

To listen to the Dust Safety Science Podcast episode, click here.

For more news headlines, articles, and equipment reviews, visit our Equipment Zones