bringing better blasting to industry
Well, how do you know?
"We've never had a problem!" - so why all the fuss and concern all of a sudden?
In the past we certainly weren't as aware of the risks of flammable and combusitble (explosive) dusts. And then, shops that never experienced a problem - did!
But with the Imperial Sugar explosion, OSHA has placed a National Emphesis on the problem - and expects you to act.
Here is a series of easy-to-follow documents to help you realize if this OSHA action item affects you.
And possible solutions.
Be aware; the new NFPA Standard "NFPA 652" - the “Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust” went into affect in 2015.
By September 2018 (but "as soon as possible"), a Dust Hazards Analysis must be completed. (NFPA 652 7.2)
You won't find horror photos of flattened factories caused by dust explosions here, but you get the idea...
Got Combustible Dust?
OSHA's Combustible Dust List
Does your company process any of the materials listed in the OSHA document in powdered form?
Download and check it out.
Torit's Combustible Dust Roadmap
Download Torit's Roadmap - this chart illustrates what a process owner should do if combustible dusts are handled in the workplace.
The process owner’s final selection of dust collectors and risk mitigation strategies should be based on the outcome of a Dust Hazard / Process Hazard Analysis performed by the process owner.
Start here.
Explosive vs. Flammable Dust
Fires require fuel (the dust), oxygen (air flow), and heat (spark). Dust explosions require those plus dust dispersion (atomization) and confinement (the machine, the duct or collector box).
Ignition source mitigation is often the key to reduce the potential for fire. But fire suppression may be needed, too.
Whether combustion explosion or fire: Donaldson Torit is well positioned to help either way.
Test Your Dust
Test Positive? Your Rx is Here
Don't Forget Housekeeping
Donaldson Torit - the dominant manufacturer of dust collectors - offers you a convenient process for combustible dust testing with Fauske & Associates, LLC, a leader in process safety.
Fauske & Associates has developed a simple, direct procedure for submitting your dust samples for combustible dust testing.
Fauske & Associates is one of many organizations capable of providing this service. Your selection of a testing laboratory should take your needs into consideration, and Donaldson encourages you to consider a testing option that most favorably suits your needs.
There's no cookie cutter approach, but with the advice of your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), equip your dust collector with explosion or fire protection components.
This download is a comprehensive - but to-the-point - guide.
According to NFPA 652, primary deflagrations lead to secondary deflagrations, usually fueled by accumulated fugitive dust. The majority of the property damage and personnel injury is due to the fugitive dust accumulations within the building or process compartment. The elimination of accumulated fugitive dust is the single most important criterion for a safe workplace.
Figure the old Shop Vac will handle it? - Don't. You also need an Explosion Proof vacuum. Dawson-Macdonald can help there too - just contact us.
A bonus: You'll find these industrial vacuums a joy to own. They are cleaner, more rugged, more useful, and easy to use.
There are Lots of Tools in the Combustible
Dust / Fire Mitigation Tool Box - Here are a few basic approaches:
One piece of the puzzle can be the Spark Cooler® - shown installed in an Easy Duct trunkline in the Springfield Mass. area.
The Spark Cooler is a spark reduction product for use with dust collection equipment in a number of thermally generated metal processing applications - including welding, cutting (especially laser & plasma), and grinding.
Wet Dust Collectors become an important part of the mix for reactive metals - aluminum, titanium, etc. (Reference NFPA 484)
Availalble in stand-alone (left), or Down Draft (above).
For Northeast USA, contact Dawson-Macdonald.
Explosion-Proof industrial duty vacuum systems are an essential component for safely handing housekeeping chores in the factory.
Contact Dawson-Macdonald directly about your application; we will help achieve your goals - with innovative, proven, quality equipment - supported locally.