Combustible Dust

Combustible dust refers to any fine material with the capability of igniting or exploding when mixed with air. This can include anything from metal dust to organic materials like flour, sugar, wood, etc. as well as some nonmetallic, inorganic materials. In many cases when the root of an industrial explosion has been attributed to combustible dust, the company involved was either unaware of the potential for explosion or had neglected monitoring which could have indicated the risk.

STEP provides several services when it comes to combustible dust which can be completed as stand-alone items, or as a full combustible dust package.

Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA)

Dust Hazard Analysis would be the first step to managing combustible dust in your facility. This determines what areas in your facility have combustible dust and hazard potential. In this analysis, your facility's work processes, materials, and ignition sources will be evaluated. Following this analysis, we offer recommendations to manage your dust hazards. Dust sampling may be recommended if not all dust is known.

Combustible Dust Sampling

Combustible dust sampling is a process that involves taking samples from the hazardous location, getting the samples lab tested, and making the determination of whether the samples are hazardous and/or how hazardous they are.

Dust Hazard Management Program (DHMP)

We can also assist in developing a facility Dust Hazard Management Program (DHMP) where the dust hazards in the facility are listed along with the practices/procedures for managing these hazards to prevent a combustible dust explosion. These programs are critical to the proper management of dust hazards in a facility.

NFPA/OSHA Compliance Audit

The final step to managing combustible dust in your facility would be an NFPA/OSHA Compliance Audit, which we can provide. This audit would help to reinforce that practices and procedures that have been enacted following the DHA or in the DHMP are effective in managing the combustible dust hazards.

These items are critically important to facilities that have potential combustible dust hazards. If your facility has combustible dust, contact us today and a consultant can determine how we can best meet your needs!