Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which factors influence the destructiveness of dust explosions?

1. Humidity, temperature, and material type

2. Pressure rise, pressure developed, duration

3. Color, surface area, and moisture content

4. Elevation, particle size, and concentration

The correct answer is: Pressure rise, pressure developed, duration

The destructiveness of dust explosions is influenced by several critical factors related to the dynamics of the explosion. The correct answer highlights the importance of pressure rise, pressure developed, and duration. Pressure rise refers to the rapid increase in pressure during an explosion, which directly correlates with the potential for damage. The greater the pressure generated in a confined space due to an explosive event, the more destructive the explosion can be. Pressure developed relates to the maximum pressure that the explosive can achieve and is a critical factor in judging the severity of an explosion. Different materials can produce varying pressures, impacting the overall destructiveness of an explosion. Duration of the explosion is important as it influences how long the pressure is sustained. A longer duration can lead to more extensive damage as structures may not withstand prolonged high-pressure conditions. The interplay of these three factors determines how catastrophic a dust explosion can be, emphasizing their significance in evaluating explosion risks in environments where combustible dust is present.