How to Remove Combustible Dust From a Mezzanine

Combustible dust needs to be handled with the utmost care.

Combustible dust, also known as industrial, or explosive dust, is the fine particulate dust, generated from industrial applications such as woodworking and metalworking. In small amounts, industrial dust can be safely mitigated through standard cleaning and maintenance of the facility. However, the dust can accumulate in large amounts in largely inaccessible locations, such as on high ceiling structures. At such a large amount, the dust must be removed, as it is both a health and explosion hazard.

Things You'll Need

• HEPA vacuum
• Protective covering
• Drop cloths
• Breathing apparatus
• Scissor lift
• Portable floodlights
• Large trash cans

Instructions

1. Lay down drop cloths over the entire mezzanine, covering all of the floors, surfaces, and equipment in every area of it to prevent recontamination.

2. Apply your protective gear and breathing apparatus.

3. Work from the ceiling to the walls to the floors, using the scissor lift and HEPA vacuum to remove the dust wherever it is found. Make sure to get every last bit of it, and use your portable floodlight to illuminate areas that are difficult to see.

4. Empty the vacuum's contents into your trash cans a small amount at a time in order to avoid friction that could cause sparks.

5. Clean your drop cloths last. Be sure to thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the cloths before removing them from the mezzanine.

6. Remove the trash cans from the mezzanine, followed by the drop cloths. Ensure that there is no dust on your protective clothing before removing.

7. Inspect the mezzanine after the job is completed to ensure that you found all of the dust deposits.

Tips & Warnings

• Combustible dust is best handled by trained and certified professionals. Do not attempt to remove it from your mezzanine unless you have the proper training and equipment. Failure to properly remove the dust can cause fatal results for yourself and those in your vicinity.

References

• Interior Maintenance Company, Inc.; Combustible Dust Cleaning- A Professional Approach; Jon A. Barrett; October 2009