The accumulation of combustible dust has been a known workplace hazard in industries, but little has been done by the authorities to address the issue. Combustible dusts in the workplace come from the materials used in the production or manufacturing processes. These dusts come in the form of fine particles and metals, wood, grains, foams, plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, coal, flour, sugar, and even paper. Whatever the form, these particles are highly volatile and can easily catch fire—which, in turn, can lead to deadly blasts and sudden explosions.

Over the years, combustible dust explosions have claimed lives, injured individuals, and destroyed properties. As a result, this alarming rate has moved policy-makers, safety boards, and worker unions to seek legal ways to reduce the dangers and threats as well as prevent any further occurrence of blasts and combustible dust accidents.

Now, with the change of administration this year, the future is bright for the makeover of dust regulations. Sponsors of the legislation, which will renew and update the regulations on combustible dust in the workplace, are expectant and more active than ever in pushing the bill anew in Congress. These federal regulators are advancing that tougher and stricter rules should be implemented to address the issue of combustible dusts.

With the help of the Obama administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), along with some agencies such as the Chemical Safety Board and the National Fire Protection Association, federal dust standards and regulations will be enhanced to more suitably and effectively prevent these deadly accidents and explosions caused by combustible dust in the workplace. Among the objectives are to have a more stringent monitoring of the presence or concentration of combustible dust and how to remove them from the area. Whatever changes will be made on the regulations, however, the main goals are still to ensure that workers are informed of the danger, are aware of the threats, and are better protected from the hazard so they can go about their jobs in their workplaces more safely.

With these changes and improvements waiting on the wings, it will only be a matter of time before combustible dust explosions and other injuries and accidents resulting from the hazard will be totally prevented and avoided in the workplace. Yes, policies may change over time—but, in the end, they will still exist to protect the very people they serve.