Article: Workplace Safety and Health Topics

A recent article exploring combustible dust explosions and the fatalities of first responders published by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) details statics and information on specific incidents.  We previously discussed this topic and feel the importance of prevention and education deserves even more attention. 

An average of 100 fire fighters are being killed while responding to fires and explosions.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) displays a listing of all investigative reports in a state by state map format.  We highly recommend reading each incident report as they explain in detail the dramatic incident with the source listed and the deaths associated.  Each incident is caused by varying combustible dust sources, such as metal dust, grain dust, coal, and wood dust.  Grain dust explosions have been on the rise with frequent coverage resulting in injuries and deaths. With most crops being harvested this time of year, the coverage could increase. 

Below is a listing of all links associated with the article.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Listing of all reported incidents in an incident report.
You can visit this website for dust collection solutions and for information gathering.

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

Article: From Dust To Death - Six tips to stop dust collector explosions

Preventing combustible dust explosions has been an industry concern for years.   Increasing the stress for emergency health and safety managers trying to find the correct solution and maintain that solution for the future as well.  With so many standards, regulations, and codes one can get easily overwhelmed.  A recent article in ISHN Magazine by industry experts Tony Supine and Mike Walters condense the tedious task into a few informative tips.   

Reviewing the NFPA 654 standard will give you information on how to design a safe dust collection system.  It will also guide you to other NFPA standards regarding deflagration venting, explosion protection where venting is not possible, as well as standards for specific types of combustible dust and industries.   The NFPA has incorporated performance-based options, since 1995 using calculations in its standards for explosion protection equipment.   Since 2006 the NFPA has been allowing real world destructive test data to be used in place of the calculations data, as long as adequate testing has been proven.   Although often overlooked, real world data is permissible and your dust collection supplier may help you with cost savings and from over engineering,  all while not compromising safety.  

A hazard analysis is required to determine the level of fire and explosion protection required.  Testing the dust to determine the KST rating and Pmax by ASTM E 1226-10 standard needs to be established.  Quality is often overruled by a low price.   Is the value what it seems?  As documented a low-end dust collector will most likely need replacing after an explosion, where as a high quality gauge collector often only requires replacing only the explosion vent and filter cartridges.   High quality compliant equipment is reassurance and an investment in the future.   Keeping a clean facility is another key element in preventing dust explosions.  Hazardous levels of dust accumulation are the most common of all OSHA violations, often ending with fines.  The NFPA definition of hazardous surface dust is now 1/64 inch or 0.4mm in depth.   Staying alert of any changing conditions that can contribute to potential explosive problems should be normal practice.

You can read the full article here From Dust To Death - Six tips to stop dust collector explosions.