Identifying and Managing the Hazards of Combustible Dust: Compliance with Standards

A constant threat in many manufacturing facilities is combustible dust. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the need for and requirements for dust hazard analyses (DHAs), partly as a result of insurance companies, permitting authorities, and corporate offices requiring facilities and businesses to adhere to regulatory standards and protect personnel and property from potential explosions and fires.

Any machine that can turn a harder material unto dust is suspect.  An ignition source when lit can cause an explosion. Industries like food, wood, chemical, plastics, and metals are frequently impacted. And you could also be impacted if you have bag houses and dust collectors.

This topic is Identifying and Managing the Hazards of Combustible Dust: Compliance with Standards.  It is imperative that those associated with the facility including owners, managers, superintendents, workers, and first responders such as the fire department understand the potential hazards present from combustible hazards.

Combustible dust exposes a surprising number of industries to one of the highest levels of safety risks. Some of these industries aren't even aware that the methods and supplies they employ can result in combustible dust, which can result in deadly explosions or costly six-figure OSHA fines. According to some studies, the average cost of correcting combustible dust violations after an inspection is close to $1 million.

A combustible dust explosion can kill personnel, badly injure them or make them unable to work again.  An explosion can have a huge impact on the viability of the business.  It can shut down the facility permanently. Knowledge of the hazard from the conceptual stage to operation of the facility is necessary to operate safely.  It is important for an owner to understand those hazards.

• Compliance with standards
• Impact of an explosion
• Involvement of engineer or scientists who are combustible dust experts
• Dusts generated by operations in progress
• How to comply with standards
• How to bring a facility online

• Testing of the air
• Walk-throughs to evaluate facility safety
• Developing an operational plan to meet standards
• Developing a Safety Plan
• Developing ongoing air monitoring
• Emergency Plan communicated with first responders
• Develop a maintenance plan

This webinar will provide valuable insights to: 

• Owners
• Managers
• Workers
• Fire fighters
• Scientists
• Engineers
• Regulators
• Maintenance workers
• Risk Analysis Professionals