51 combustible dust fires and 28 dust explosions occurred at facilities around the globe during the first half of 2021, according to a new report issued by combustible dust fire and explosion hazards research organization Dust Safety Science. 44 people were injured and eight were killed in the incidents.

The organization’s 2021 Mid-Year Combustible Dust Incident Report provides a summary of fires and explosions and breaks down the data by region, industry, materials involved, equipment, and causes.

Since Dust Safety Science started collecting data on combustible dust incidents in 2016, there have been an average of 31 dust explosions per year globally. The data for 2021 reveals that all of the documented deaths were linked to dust explosions.

Some interesting findings from the first half of the year are:

A full year report for 2021 will be released at a later date. Dr. Chris Cloney, the founder of Dust Safety Science, is leading one of the first comprehensive efforts to collect data on dust-related fires and explosions. The organization issues annual and semi-annual reports on incidents, publishes a weekly newsletter, and provides a directory of companies offering prevention and protection solutions. 

To learn more or view the report, click here.