Are your new or existing processes and facilities in compliance with the recent September 2020 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandate requiring a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA)?
NFPA 652 also requires that the DHA be reviewed and updated every 5 years.
What is a DHA?
- “A systematic review to identify and evaluate the potential fire, flash fire, or explosion hazards associated with the presence of one or more combustible particulate solids in a process or facility.” NFPA 652 (2019) 3.3.18
- Material (Dust) Evaluation
- The DHA shall be based on data obtained for material that is representative of the dust present. The determination of combustibility or explosibility of materials will be based upon either historical/published data deemed representative of current materials or laboratory analysis results.
- Process Systems
- Each part of the process system where combustible dust is present or where combustible particulate solids could cause combustible dust to be present shall be evaluated. The DHA shall address combustible dust transport, fugitive combustible dust, potential deflagration propagation, oxidizing atmospheres, credible ignition sources, and credible suspension mechanisms.
- Building or Building Compartments
How Do DHA Requirements Affect You?
- Prevent catastrophic dust explosions and fires
- Avoid costly fines imposed by OSHA for willful violations
- Protect integrity and customer confidence in your business
- Protect workers from combustible dust hazards
- Satisfy insurance risk control requirements
- Safeguard processing equipment and business continuity
IFO Group offers process evaluation, including potential ignition sources, and will coordinate analytical testing to determine if the dust in your facility is combustible before offering management strategies.
What dusts are combustible?
- Most organic dust (i.e., coal, flour, grains, sugar, and wood)
- Metals
- Plastics
- Pharmaceuticals
What can IFO Group do to help you mitigate combustible dust hazards?
Comprehensive 7 step DHA process:
- Acquire Documentation, Historical Facility Data, and Published Data
- Field Verify Plant-Specific Documentation
- Assemble DHA Team
- Identify Hazards & Evaluate Compliance
- Prioritize Hazards
- Document Results
- Repeat
If your facility has dust accumulation like this, we can help.
Contact Your IFO Group Dust Hazard Expert:
1-832-403-2135
info@ifogroup.com
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