Grain dust is the main source of fuel for explosions in grain handling facilities.
OSHA requires employers to develop and implement a written housekeeping
program focusing on removing "fugitive grain dust" from your facility.

Important items to include in the housekeeping program are frequency and methods determined best to reduce accumulation of fugitive grain dust on ledges, equipment,
and other exposed surfaces.


✔ Establish priority housekeeping areas for floor areas within 35 feet of an inside
    bucket elevator leg (legs having more than 20% of the overall height indoors),
    floors of enclosed areas containing grinding equipment, and floor of enclosed
    areas containing grain dryers located inside the facility.
✔ Establish a frequent inspection process for all areas, priority areas should be
    inspected daily.
✔ Establish a daily, weekly, and monthly housekeeping checklist with written
    instructions on cleaning for all areas in the facility.
✔ Establish a procedure for removing spills form the work area.
✔ Resolve the cause of leaks and spills before resuming operations.
✔ Establish and implement dust control/collection equipment.

Grain handling facilities have several sources that could cause an ignition for a dust explosion. Drives, bearings, gears, shafts, misaligned belts, overheating equipment are some examples of equipment that could lead to becoming an ignition source if they fail. A preventative maintenance procedure shall be implemented for all equipment.

Tips for eliminating hazards related to dust explosions:
• Never allow dust to accumulate more than 1/8 inch.
• Perform frequent housekeeping inspections.
• Report all spills or leaks immediately.
• Ensure housekeeping checklists are being performed as specified and scheduled.
• Perform regularly scheduled PM inspections.
• Perform PM lubrication and other appropriate maintenance in accordance with
  manufacturer's recommendations, or as necessary on all equipment.
• Ensure all Hot Work Permits has been filled out for every hot work job, and the areas
  are free of fire hazards.
• Use only non-spark producing and intrinsically safe tools and equipment.
• Shut down any equipment or process if overheating occurs.
• Shut down equipment if abnormal noise or vibrations such as metal on metal grinding
  or contacting other metal obstructions are heard or felt.
• Never jog a bucket elevator to free a choked leg.
• Know the facility Emergency Action Plan including emergency exit routes and
  evacuation assembly area location.