Risk Of Explosion From Aluminum Grinding Dust, Risk Of Injury To Respiratory System From Inhaling Dust - AS60.00-Z-0007-01N

Model 167, 190, 197, 204, 205, 207, 211, 212, 213, 215, 216, 217, 219, 221, 222, 231, 238, 253, 257, 290, 292, 293 

Model 907, 910 

Model 956, 957 

Wear dust filter mask, safety glasses and protective gloves.

Use a suitable, grounded dust extraction system.

Risk of explosion 

When grinding and polishing aluminum as well as its alloys, dust is created. It is combustible and explosive when mixed with air. Aluminum dust is one of the types of dust which exhibit the most extreme reactions in terms of its combustion and explosive properties.

When mixed with air, aluminum dust reacts just as violently as magnesium. Potentially explosive areas  include grinding equipment, interiors of protective covers, ventilation or extraction pipes and separators within a periphery of 3 m. The area within a periphery of 5 m around the source of the dust is also considered at risk of fire. 

Risk of injury 

Aluminum dust is produced when working on aluminum components by cutting, grinding, polishing, etc. This dust irritates the bronchial tubes and may damage the lungs.

Safety precautions/instructions 

Observe the following points:

• A basic safety precaution is to remove the aluminum dust as it is generated.
• When working with aluminum, wear a dust filter mask, safety glasses and protective gloves.
• Avoid stirring up the dust created; extract immediately while working.
• The extraction systems must be grounded to prevent a dust explosion.

When using a dry process with wet separation  , the dust should be moistened immediately behind the source so that it is bonded completely and forms a sludge-like substance.

When using a dry process with dry separation  , the following special measures are necessary:

• Set up dust remover outside of immediate work area.
• The dust remover should be pressure-resistant and equipped with an explosion suppression feature to prevent any possible dust explosions from penetrating the work room.
• Extraction and protective covers should be made from non-sparking materials.
• The work rooms should have two exits and be designed so that the least possible quantity of dust can deposit and settle.

  Access to rooms with explosion-hazard areas must be marked with the prohibition sign "Fire, open flames and smoking prohibited". 

• Suitable powder fire extinguishers must be available.
• Equipment such as heavy-duty emergency showers is essential for extinguishing clothing fires outside of the work rooms.

For further information, please refer to the ACCIDENT PREVENTION REGULATIONS (UVV).