Dust explosions often occur from November to March when there are higher static electricity concentrations, according to a panel of safety experts who spoke about combustible dust hazards at the recent National Safety Council Congress & Expo.
Nearly 280 dust fires and explosions have occurred in U.S. industrial facilities over the past 25 years, resulting in 119 fatalities and more than 700 injuries. Since launching a combustible dust National Emphasis Program in 2007, OSHA has issued 9,466 dust-related violations, but has not yet established a timeframe for a combustible dust standard.
The panel identified combustible dust safety hazards frequently found in plants and factories:
"Safety managers need to consider facility design, have dusts tested at a certified lab, and establish a detailed process hazard analysis, housekeeping protocols, and operator- and technical-level training," said panel member Kevin Jeffries, senior safety manager of frozen foods for Kellogg Company.
Nearly 280 dust fires and explosions have occurred in U.S. industrial facilities over the past 25 years, resulting in 119 fatalities and more than 700 injuries. Since launching a combustible dust National Emphasis Program in 2007, OSHA has issued 9,466 dust-related violations, but has not yet established a timeframe for a combustible dust standard.
The panel identified combustible dust safety hazards frequently found in plants and factories:
- Dust collections located inside a building without proper explosion protection systems
- High dust accumulations due to poor housekeeping
- Improper deployment of venting
- Improper protection of bucket elevators
- Unprotected long ducts and pipes
- Improper protection of silos and bins
- Absence of building protection
- Unprotected conveyors
"Safety managers need to consider facility design, have dusts tested at a certified lab, and establish a detailed process hazard analysis, housekeeping protocols, and operator- and technical-level training," said panel member Kevin Jeffries, senior safety manager of frozen foods for Kellogg Company.
- Download the OSHA instruction for the Combustible Dust NEP (pdf).
- Download an OSHA fact sheet on combustible dust.
- Review NFPA 654, Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions.
- Browse static and grounding safety signs at ComplianceSigns.com.
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