Dust Hazards Analysis Consultant

Background

Aggie Safety experts, with their DEKRA training and certification and extensive industry experience in Solids Handling, are equipped to provide a thorough Dust Hazards Analysis (DHA). This process, which OSHA’s Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) deems crucial, goes beyond identifying hazards. It empowers employers to make informed decisions about housekeeping procedures, administrative controls, engineering controls, personal protective equipment specifications, employee training needs, and other safety-related issues

Combustible dust explosions are complex topics that require a comprehensive understanding of solids handling and chemical behavior.

Aggie Safety experts, with their in-depth knowledge and experience, are well-versed in implementing the following industry codes/standards:

• NFPA 61, NFPA 484, NFPA 652, NFPA 654, NFPA 655, and NFPA 664

Dust Hazards Analysis

• Detailed DHA with plant personnel can ensure the following:Evaluate whether all powders handled in a facility are combustible vs. non-combustible
• Understand the severity of dust combustibility from properties like Kst, Pmax, Minimum ignition energy, Minimum explosive concentration, Powder resistivity, Particle size distribution
• Performance-based or Risk-based DHA can help find practical solutions for your facilities
• Likelihood analysis of explosion in various solids handling equipment like
  • bulk loaders
  • conveyors
  • Bucket elevators
  • dryers,
  • spray systems,
  • Silos
  • Hoppers
  • Portable containers FIBC
  • Blenders
  • Mixers
  • Packaging
  • Grinders
  • Mills
  • Spiral Jets
  • Baghouses
  • Cartridge filters
  • Cyclones
  • Dust collection system
• Evaluate if hybrid mixtures are present in the facility
• Evaluating controls around dust handling systems are adequate (to name a few):
  • Inerting
  • Dust Explosion suppression / Venting/ Containment/ Isolation
  • Ignition source analysis
  • Housekeeping
  • Electrical classification

Ignition Source Analysis

Aggie Safety can evaluate all potential ignition sources in a dust handling area and provide a solution for managing them. Some mechanical ignition sources can be risk assessed and, with minor operational/maintenance adjustments, deemed reasonable for service. NFPA Codes allow performance-based and risk-based evaluations.

1. OSHA DIRECTIVE NUMBER: TED-01-00-015 EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/10/2020 SUBJECT: OSHA Technical Manual – Section IV, Chapter 6, Combustible Dusts