How not to is just that- an explanation of how not to do something. It is generally based on failures that have happened to others.
Flammables are normal parts of industrial life. They are classified using numbers and letters, allowing classification of their potential threats in process industries. The NEC goes over these in more detail.
Flour is a Class 2G combustible dust, similar to sugar. Sugar will burn without air. I may do a future post on explosion proof and intrinsic safety later but let us discuss one in particular.
The Imperial Sugar Fire, as reported by the US Chemical Safety Board. Over the years, powder accumulated all over the plant. The end result: 14 dead, 38 injured. The CSB has a video and recommendations for similar sites. If you are working with powders, make sure your stuff is de-energized, clean you work-space. De-energize your equipment, ground yourself when you work and carry a flashlight.
Intrinsically safe devices try to limit power (1 2 3). They deserve a post in themselves, but they are your friends! Make sure to check how they are landed. The instruction manuals clearly describe where the IS/ES interface is, but I have seen a number of sites with incorrect installations.
Be safe and do better!
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