34 dust explosions and 115 dust fires were logged globally during the first half of 2019, according to a report released this week by combustible dust research organization Dust Safety Science. The incidents during the period resulted in 13 deaths and 66 injuries. 

The 2019 Mid-Year Combustible Dust Incident Report provides data on the number of incidents recorded from January to June this year and summaries of the materials, industries, causes, and loss involved in the fires and explosions. 

"The combustible dust incident report is our measuring stick for determining the frequency and severity of dust fire and explosion incidents. The 2019 mid-year report shows that we are on-track to meet or exceed historical averages recorded over the last four years in the United States," said Chris Cloney, the organization’s founder. 

Cloney has been active in documenting and analyzing combustible dust fire and explosion incidents since 2016. 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. 

Some interesting findings from the newly-released data include:

-      Dust collection equipment was involved in 31% of dust explosions and fires recorded during the period.
-      Wood products were involved in 31% percent of recorded incidents. Food products played a role in 30% of fires and explosions in the first half of this year.
-      Nearly a third (31.5%) of logged incidents occurred in agriculture-related facilities. 

To view the full Dust Safety Science report, click here.

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