Flash fire is an intense flame that erupts without warning and spreads rapidly through a diffuse fuel, like gas or vapours of an ignitable liquid, over a matter of seconds. Combustible dust is a concentration of airborne particles in a closed area which can be ignited by a spark or even static electricity.
Who is at risk of flash fire hazard?
Workers in environments where fuel, typically flammable gas or dust, is mixed with air in concentrations suitable for combustion are at risk of flash fire hazard.
In a flash fire event, most of the damage comes from thermal radiation and secondary fires. If inhaled, the heated air resulting from a flash fire can cause serious damage to the tissue of the lungs, possibly leading to death by asphyxiation. Untreated clothing may ignite as the result of a flash fire, leading to serious injury and even death.