Page 39 - OHS, September 2023

it from the source area. Secondly, the equipment used should adhere to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards. Lastly, it’s crucial that the equipment is approved by an NRTL (nationally recognized testing laboratory). While various companies may claim their dust collection or industrial vacuum equipment is suitable for a particular setting, having external validation in the form of certification ensures the end-user that they’re procuring equipment that aligns with the requisite standards and certifications. OH&S: What should be the frequency of the dust collection? Ramos: The frequency of dust collection can vary significantly based on the specific context. The key is to have a recurring schedule that effectively maintains low dust levels. For some facilities, if the established program is executed thoroughly, there might be longer intervals between dust collection processes. Conversely, if a facility generates a substantial amount of dust consistently, daily collection might be necessary. In some cases, especially in facilities operating multiple shifts, workers might need to clean their respective areas at the end of each shift, leading to multiple cleanups within a day. The frequency essentially depends on the facility’s operations. A well- structured and strictly adhered-to program can possibly allow for less frequent collection than one might initially assume. OH&S: What else do you recommend when it comes to cleaning up combustible dust in industrial and manufacturing workplaces? Ramos: ThThere are defifinitely some additional considerations. Always keeping combustible dust top of mind is essential. Facilities frequently undergo changes: equipment is relocated, and processes might shift due to expansion or other factors. If you’ve been focusing on one specific area due to higher dust generation and then that process moves, it’s vital to ensure that the new location can address the same issues. A common oversight is failing to trace back to the origin of the dust generation. If you can pinpoint where it’s emanating from, there might be an opportunity to mitigate it right at the source, preventing its spread throughout the facility. Many facilities have equipment that has been in use for a long time. This older equipment might have areas where dust can escape more readily, making it challenging to address the issue at its root. However, the goal shouldn’t just be about consistent housekeeping. Instead, consider working upstream to determine the dust’s origin and find ways to both mitigate it at the source and reduce the frequency of housekeeping tasks. Ultimately, the aim is to maintain low dust levels, which is the priority at the end of the day. David Kopf is the Executive Editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine. He can be reached at dkopf@1105media.com. π OVER 3,100 SAFETY PRODUCTS IN STOCK SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Testing Lab Fauske & Associates (FAI) offers a complete range of services to help you address hazards that pose risk to your process facililty and ensure compliance with relevant industry standards Combustible Dust Testing & Consulting Gas & Vapor Flammability Testing & Consulting Chemical Reactivity Testing & Consulting On-Site Services w w w.fauske.com www.ohsonline.com SEPTEMBER 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 39 COMPLETE CATALOG 1-800-295-5510 uline.com