Safety Advisory for Events Using Colored Powders, Such as Color Runs

With spring having arrived and summer fast approaching, many events are being planned and hosted throughout the state of Ohio where bursts of colored powder are sprayed or thrown onto event participants, including “color runs” or concerts. While these events are not directly regulated by the Ohio Fire Code, hidden dangers do exist that event coordinators and participants should be aware of.

Most commonly, the powder mixtures used at such events are comprised of cornstarch and a coloring agent – such as food coloring or paint. Colored cornstarch, in its powder form, is not normally combustible. However, when aerosolized (or sprayed) it is considered a “combustible dust” and can explode under the right circumstances and conditions. If the dust particles are the right composition and size, and the dust cloud is dense enough in an enclosed space, a fire or an explosion can occur if an ignition source is present.

Read more...Colored Powder Event Safety Advisory