This session reviews the history of combustible dust and focuses on case studies with the details of how and why fires and explosions occur. The session reviews dust control and housekeeping techniques and warns against the dangers of using equipment not designed for combustible environments. Finally, we review the design criteria highlighted in National Fire Protection Association standard 484 regarding solutions for a dust and smoke collection system and examples of the best solutions. This session is a general overview of important parameters that need to be reviewed when taking on a project in dust and smoke collection in metal fabricating.