TORONTO - The fatal explosions and fires at a pair of Vancouver sawmills last year has brought national attention to the hazards of combustible dust.

The tragedies also have drawn more attention from government agencies on policing wood dust accumulations in manufacturing plants.

Combustible dust is drawing a lot of attention and government scrutiny in the U.S. as well, where the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been working on developing an industrial combustible dust rule.

Jamison Scott, chairman of the Wood Machinery Manufacturer of America's (WMMA) Combustible Dust Task Force, will present, "Combustible Dust ... An Explosive Issue." The free, 45-minute session will define what combustible dust is and provide tips for preventing an explosion and mitigating a government safety inspection.

Scott, who also is vice president of Air Handling Systems, has authored several articles and blogs for Woodworking Network. His most recent article is ComDust Prevention: Woodshops Take Note.

The session is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Oct 25 in the Aviation Ballroom, adjacent to Hall 5 of the International Centre. No registration is necessary to attend the program.

The ComDust session is one of many free educational programs planned during WMS 2013. View the full WMS 2013 Conference schedule.

The WMMA and several of its members, including Black Bros., Mereen-Johnson, Miltec and Safety Speed Manufacturing, are assembling as an American Technology Pavilion at WMS 2013.

Learn more and register to attend WMS 2013.