The invention provides an explosion protection system and a control method for a scrap metal crushing machine. The system comprises an oxygen concentration sensor, a gas pressure sensor, a nitrogen inerting system, a water mist explosion suppression system, a dust removal pipeline isolated system, an active explosion venting system, a manual control switch, an audible and visual alarm and a controller, wherein the input end of the controller is electrically connected with the output end of the sensor; and the output end of the controller is electrically connected with the nitrogen inerting system, the water mist explosion suppression system, the dust removal pipeline isolated system and the active explosion venting system. According to the explosion protection system for the scrap metal crushing machine provided by the invention, signals inside a crushing cavity are collected by the sensor and transmitted to the controller, and the signals are sent to a corresponding explosion protection device after processing judgment by the controller, so that the explosion protection function of the crushing machine is realized, the damage of explosion is reduced, and normal operation of the crushing machine and the safety of operation staff are guaranteed.