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?