Per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 652, the owner/operator of all existing processes and facility compartments/enclosures where combustible or explosive dusts are present, must ensure a Dust Hazard Analysis is completed. This analysis must be completed by September 7, 2020. Going forward from this date, a Dust Hazard Analysis must be completed for all new processes and facility compartments then reviewed/updated every five (5) years. The purpose is to determine the proper precautions that must be taken to protect workers from recognized hazards such as flash fires and explosions. 

Combustible Dust OSHA Standards

Provisions that address certain aspects of combustible dusts are found in the following mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards that apply industry wide or are industry specific. 

• 1910.22, Housekeeping

• 1910.38, Emergency Action Plans

• 1910.94, Ventilation

• 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces

• 1910.157, Portable Fire Extinguishers

• 1910.165, Employee Alarm Systems

• 1910.176, Handling Materials

• 1910.178, Powered Industrial Trucks

• 1910.261, Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Mills

• 1910.263, Bakery Equipment

• 1910.265, Sawmills

• 1910.269, Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution

• 1910.272, Grain Handling Facilities

• 1910.307, Hazardous Locations

• 1910.1200, Hazardous Communication

By completing a Dust Hazard Analysis, an employer can feel comfortable knowing they are providing their employees an environment that is free from recognized hazards (fire and explosion) that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

How to Effectively Control Combustible Dust

The Dust Hazard Analysis shall be used to evaluate the fire, deflagration, and explosion hazards as well as provide recommendations to manage those hazards. Effective controls of combustible dust can be broken down into three (3) categories:

Capture:

• Utilize appropriate dust collection systems to collect the dust before it escapes into a work area or space.

Contain:

• Limit the dispersal of the dust by containing it within equipment, systems, or rooms that are specifically designed to safely handle the accumulation of combustible dust.

Clean:

• Conduct frequent, thorough, and approved housekeeping to remove dusts not captured or contained from work areas, overhead surfaces and concealed spaces. 

Once completed, the results of the Dust Hazard Analysis must be documented. This includes any action items requiring change to the process materials, physical process, process operations, or facilities associated with the affected process. 

Who Can Perform a Dust Hazard Analysis?

It is important to note that the Dust Hazard Analysis must be completed by a qualified person. Per OSHA, a qualified person is defined as one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to whatever the subject matter, work or project is. Simply put, a qualified person is trained and/or knowledgeable enough on the subject matter to perform the required functions that it entails. 

In summary, it is important to understand what combustible dusts are and the associated dangers involved. By knowing what a Dust Hazard Analysis is, what the benefits are, and why it is required, you can have ease of mind about keeping your employees safe. Let’s also not forget that you will remain compliant. 

KERAMIDA is a full-service Security, Environmental, Health and Safety consulting firm that has many years of experience pertaining to safety compliance. KERAMIDA has qualified professionals on staff who are ready to complete your Dust Hazard Analysis and develop your action plans for a safer work environment. Contact us for a quick response or call us today at (800) 508-8034 to speak with one of our professionals.

Blog Author

Andrew Tirmenstein
Senior Project Manager, Security, Health and Safety Services
KERAMIDA Inc.

Contact Andrew at atirmenstein@keramida.com.