Page 46 - OHS, April/May 2024

COMBUSTIBLE DUST
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tial dust explosions, effectively addressing these issues and implementing appropri- ate controls and procedures are crucial for maintaining a safer facility. Consistent housekeeping practices and utilizing a properly designed dust collection system tailored to your specific operation can greatly diminish airborne dust levels in the workplace and mitigate the risk of fire and explosion.
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to achieve the life safety goals. It outlines the methodology for implementing, overseeing and adapting the components of the com- bustible dust program as necessary.
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■ Housekeeping plan —A strategy outlining cleaning processes to control the
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■ Facility analysis —A strategy aimed buildup of combustible dust.
at identifying both visible and concealed areas prone to the accumulation of com- bustible dust, assessing mechanisms for dispersal into the air, and pinpointing po- tential sources of ignition
■ Process hazard analysis —This is required on each process point generat- ing dust in a facility. OSHA will ask for this when investigating combustible dust pro- cesses. The plan must detail how to remove the dust hazard from each process point.
■ Hazard mitigation —A detailed strategy outlining measures to mitigate combustible dust hazards at each opera- tional point. This entails addressing heat
■ Maintenance and inspection —A continuous regimen aimed at ensuring equipment functions properly and adheres to pertinent regulations.
■ Employee training —Continuous education encompassing facility protocols formanagingignitionsourcesanddusthaz- ards. This training should cover identifying potential hazards, reporting procedures to management, determining when preven- tive measures are necessary and mitigating potential disasters. Managers and supervi- sors should receive training on effectively processing information from employees to promptly address unsafe practices
BrianRichardsonistheNorthwestRegional Sales Manager for Camfil Air Pollution Con- trol, which manufactures dust and fume col- lection equipment for industrial applications.
REFERENCE
1. DustEx Research Ltd., tinyurl.com/2vjetn6s
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46 Occupational Health & Safety | APRIL/MAY 2024
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