Which practice is most effective in reducing dust explosion hazards?

• A. Frequent housekeeping
• B. Protective gloves
• C. Increasing humidity
• D. Isolating ignition sources

Answer: (A)

Preventing the accumulation of combustible dust at the source is the most effective way to reduce dust explosion hazards. When dust collects on surfaces, in equipment, or in ducts, it becomes a fuel source that can feed a rapid flame front if an ignition occurs, and confined spaces can magnify that into a true explosion. Regular, thorough housekeeping keeps dust from building up, lowering both the likelihood of ignition and the amount of fuel available if an event starts. While other measures like isolating ignition sources are important, they don’t remove the dust itself, so the hazard can still exist; humidity changes and protective gloves address different risks and do not directly reduce dust explosions as effectively.