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

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.