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

Article: 10 Ways A Dust Collection System Can Contribute To Your Plant’s Sustainability

A dust collector is designed to clean a factory of dust and fumes, thus making it fundamentally green.  By designing a dust collection system properly you can contribute to sustainability in many additional ways. An article appearing in Green Manufacturer magazine titled "10 Ways a dust collection system can contribute to your plant’s sustainability" written by air pollution control expert John Dauber, gives an easy overview in helping increase and maintain sustainability.

Make sure that the dust collector is compliant with the new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Rule 6x regarding weld fumes and other airborne contaminants.   You can request a written guarantee from the equipment manager stating the dust collector meets the standards.  Size the collector properly for the application and area.  An undersized dust collector can result in high pressure drop, frequent filter changes, high energy usage, and a host of larger maintenance issues.

If you are being accountable for a  high standard of sustainability shouldn't you require your dust collector supplier to do the same.  You can request a sustainability report or other documentation as evidence of its green manufacturing initiatives.   The use of a VFD variable-frequency drive controls fan speed effectively and efficiently.

To read the full article and learn additional steps to consider for a truly sustainable dust collection system please visit Green Manufacturer Magazine.
You may also find more information regarding the EPA Standards here.

Industrial Dust And The Human Body

Sometimes we get caught up in the mechanics, regulations, and safety of why an industrial dust collection system is needed.  Other times we are concerned with combustible dust and it's dangers, but what about the effects of dust on the human body.

Whenever people inhale airborne dust at work, they are at risk of occupational disease. Year after year, both in developed and in developing countries, overexposure to dusts causes disease, temporary and permanent disabilities and deaths.  The World Health Organization offers documents to help educate and train people and employers in the prevention and control of dust in the workplace.

Irritant dust can settle in the nose and may lead to inflammation of the mucus membrane as well as inflammation of the trachea or the bronchi.  According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety "The lungs are constantly exposed to danger from the dusts we breathe."  The most dramatic dust reaction of the lung occurs in the deepest parts of the organ, leaving scarring and impaired normal lung function.  The amount of dust particles that settle in the lung also effect the capacity of the lung and the ability to take full deep breathes.   Many lung diseases are caused by inorganic dust exposure to silica, tin, tungsten carbide and coal.  Even organic dust such as hair particles, hay, and dust of heat treated sludge can cause disease to the lung.

The eyes are not immune to the effects of dust particles.  Even most safety glasses allow small dust particles to reach the eye causing irritation and/or possible damage to the cornea.   OSHA has certain standards in place to limit exposures to specific dust and fumes.  Inhalation of cobalt metal, dust and fumes may cause interstitial fibrosis, interstitial pneumonitis, myocardial and thyroid disorders, and sensitization of the respiratory tract and skin.   Some diseases of the heart have been linked to dust and fumes.

You can find out more about health and dust related issues through the following links.
World Health Organization
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
OSHA