Do you know about the "FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-76"?

OSHA has many standards regarding combustible dust and many refer to other standards and documents by outside groups or organizations. One such document is the "FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-76". This document addresses the prevention and mitigation of combustible dust explosion and fire. It is also a property loss and prevention data sheet. FM Global provides comprehensive global commercial and industrial property insurance, engineering-driven underwriting and risk management solutions, property loss prevention research and , claims handling.

With a wide variety of safety requirements the FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-76 covers such things as building explosion hazards, dust collectors, ducting,silos,

and many other items regarding dust explosion and fire. The detail of specific recommendations makes the document a useful resource for the prevention of dust explosions. One specific issue is fugitive dust in a room or building. The dust must have a enclosure separate from the surrounding building. Explosion resistant materials must be used and no open holes or openings in which a fire or explosion could pass through. All explosion venting devices must be inspected periodically to prevent impairment. Such possible impairments as corrosion, improper painted movable parts, icing, snow, obstruction, and equipment that is located near the venting device.

To view the complete document FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-76.

FM Global website.

OSHA website.

Research actual equipment and venting devises for combustible dust and air pollution control.

Exploring the Congressional H.R.691 - Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act of 2013

The H.R.691 - Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act of 2013 was referred to the subcommittee on Workforce Protections in Congress on 4-23-2013.  While the important urgency of worker safety regarding combustible dust is growing everyday, Congressional members have not brought the bill H.R.691 to a roll call.  Mr. George Miller of California  Mr. Barrow of Georgia introduced the bill and have faced lobbying groups and other obstacles slowing the bills chances of passage.  

The bill will require the Secretary of Labor to issue an interim occupational safety and health standard regarding worker exposure to combustible dust, and for other purposes.  After extended research Congress found that an emergency exists concerning worker exposure to combustible dust explosions and fires, and there is a significant risk of death or severe injury to workers employed at facilities where combustible dusts are present.

   The CSB recommended that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issue a standard designed to prevent combustible dust fires and explosions in general industry, based on current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) dust explosion standards.  The recommendation was released in November.
             
After 3 catastrophic dust explosions that killed 14 workers in 2003, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) issued a report in November 2006.  The report identified 281 combustible dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that killed 119 workers and injured 718. ``Combustible dust explosions are a serious hazard in American industry'' according to The CSB.  A quarter of the explosions occurred at food industry facilities, including sugar plants.

To read the full: H.R.691 - Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act of 2013 bill.

To find out more about combustible dust safety: Is Your Factory Safe From A Dust Collector Explosion?

Article: Environmental, Health & Safety : Plant & Personnel Safety : Dust Explosions

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Admin. (OSHA) has flagged combustible dusts as a top issue since the Imperial Sugar Mill explosion in Port Wentworth, Georgia, that killed 14 employees and injured many others in February 2008. Combustible dust is, in fact, one of OSHA’s National Emphasis Programs (NEPs).  A recent article posted on Chemical Engineering explores the concerns of dust explosions regarding the environment,plant and personal health and safety.

Even though combustible dust is a top issue recognized by OSHA, the organization does not have it's own standards regarding combustible dust hazards in place or even on the table.  Currently combustible dust hazards fall under the General Duty Clause.  According to the Status Report on the Combustible Dust NEP, 11% of combustible-dust-related violations pertain to the General Duty Clause.

 Now this is where it gets confusing.  Though OSHA currently is without standards for combustible dusts, a National Emphasis Program established by OSHA and Congress gives OSHA the power to fine facilities that aren’t in compliance with relevant NF PA standards during routine inspections or inspections under the NEP.

You may read the full article that addresses combustible dust in the chemical industry and how the effects of non specific OSHA combustible standard is making compliance difficult.

Chemical Engineering Article:  Environmental, Health & Safety : Plant & Personnel Safety : Dust Explosions

Occupational Safety and Heath Administration

In depth Dust Collection Information

Preliminary First Draft of the Proposed 2015 Edition of NFPA 652 Standard

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released the Preliminary First Draft of the proposed 2015 edition of NFPA 652. The standard will provide the basic principles of and requirements for identifying and managing fire and explosion hazards of combustible dusts and particulate solids. The standard will provide the user with general requirements and direct the user to the appropriate industry or commodity-specific NFPA standard for additional requirements.

The document establishes the basic principles and requirements that shall be applied to all facilities where combustible dusts or particulate solids are present. Where an industry or or commodity specific NFPA standard exists, its requirements shall be applied in addition to those in this standard. The proposed 2015 edition of NFPA 652 is very detailed in explaining specific definitions of all items contained in the document and applications where the standard will be applied.

You can read the entire document and learn even more at the links below.

Proposed 2015 Edition of NFPA Standard 652

National Fire Protection Association

Industrial Dust Collectors and Fume Collection Equipment

Fact Sheet: 2011 Combustible Dust Related Incidents USA Manufacturing Facilities

The Combustible Dust Policy Institute (CDPI) recently released a preliminary analysis of the 2011 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) Data was provided by the National Fire Data Center of the U.S. Fire Administration indicated over 500 combustible dust related incidents in manufacturing facilities where dust was the item first ignited. Many near misses included incidents that did not result in harm to personnel, the facility, process, or product. The analysis does not include the grain elevators or coal-fired energy plants.

     

The analysis stated over 500 combustible dust related incidents occurred in 2011.  The analysis mentions dust explosions at Imperial Sugar Company and the  Hoeganaes Corporation.  Both incidents were near misses that should have been addressed much sooner.  Action taken to resolve near misses can prevent catastrophic events from happening in the future.  Some previous ignition fires were not reported my maintenance crews and later resulted in dust explosions.

You may see the full slide show of the analysis at this link.
For additional information about the Combustible Dust Policy Institute click here.
National Fire Incident Reporting System website.

Video Case Study: Capturing Welding Fume/Smoke at Toyo Seat USA

How does an award winning automotive seating manufacturer solve weld fumes issues while not interfering with a streamline production and improve mobility?

Frequent required movement, rearrangement and set up of numerous robotic weld cells could be needed during some production processes.  As the years passed, issues started to arise.  Each weld cell was equipped with a dust collector mounted on top of it increasing the chance of sparks entering the collector as well as creating maintenance issues, and making mobility a challenge.

You can find out how the problems were solved and mobility increased by installing a complete newly designed dust collection system.

To view the entire video case study click here.
In addition to viewing the video case study, you can read and download a PDF of the full case study here.

OSHA Firefighting Precautions at Facilities with Combustible Dust

Often the first responders are at an immediate disadvantage upon arriving at a combustible dust explosion and/or fire.  This week OSHA released a booklet outlining safety procedures for emergency responders who may experience fires and explosions caused by combustible dust.

"The primary purpose of this document is to protect emergency responders from harm by giving them a framework for gathering the necessary information prior to an emergency and converting it into safe operating procedures.  In this document, emergency responders include firefighters, fire brigade members, hazardous materials teams, and others who might be called upon to respond when a fire or explosion occurs."states the OSHA booklet.

The booklet explains combustible dust explosions and how they occur.  Preparation that can be made before a response and precautions that can be made during an emergency response are detailed.  Another concern for first responders is the proper use of fire extinguishers, hose stream, equipment compatibility, and ventilation that are used.  The OSHA document details combustible dust and the reactions of usual fire fighting chemicals.  In some incidents the combination of explosive dust and water can escalate the incident resulting in injury or death.

Ventilation is a widely used practice by firefighters to remove heat and smoke, but can have catastrophic consequences when combustible dust is involved.  Actions such as appropriate power shutdown, safety procedures and normally used tools that can ignite combustible sources are addressed.

With more than 130 workers killed and 780 injured in combustible dust explosions since 1980, the booklet should immediately impact the safety concerns of emergency responders, workers and employers.

Links:
To download the complete booklet:  "OSHA Firefighting Precautions at Facilities with Combustible Dust".
To learn more about "Combustible Dust Collection"
Website: Occupational Safety and Health Administration