Combustible Dust References
Combustible dusts are fine particles that present an explosion hazard when suspended in air under certain conditions according to OSHA. However, according to the OSHA Combustible Dust ANPR (Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking), Page 30, "No single, universally accepted definition of combustible dust is available. Even among standard promulgated by the same standards-developing organization, the definitions vary significantly."
First it is important to determine if you have a combustible dust hazard. Under certain conditions wood dust is potentially combustible and does present an explosive dust hazard. However, other dust such as mineral dust is not an explosive dust hazard as it cannot combust. Size and moisture is also important. If you have any doubt, you must send your dust to be tested by certified facility. There are various testing options including a comprehension OSHA Combustible Dust NEP Test designed to meet OSHA National Emphasis Program for Combustible Dust.
News and Information
- Combustible Dust Presentation, May 2011 - Jamison Scott of Air Handling Systems delivered an update on OSHA industrial and wood dust standards to some of the 176 attending delegates at the 2011 Wood Industry Conference in Marco Island, Fla.
- Combustible Dust Presentation, March 2011 - CBIA, Health and Safety Conference
- Wood & Wood Products, February 2010 - Explosive: Combustible Dust Issue, Identifying combustible dust and what you can do to manage it. By Jamison Scott
- Woodworking Network, December 2009 - Report by Jamison Scott, Air Handling Systems on the OSHA Combustible Dust Stakeholder meeting in DC as it appears on the Woodworking Network (newly updated and launched Wood & Wood/CWB site)
- CabinetMakerFDM, November 2009 - A status report on new regulations and standards that will affect how woodworkers handle combustible dust hazards.
- Combustible Dust PowerPoint - presented at Dollars and Sense of Going Green Conference, November 19-20.
WMMA - Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America
OSHA - Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Congress
NFPA
- NFPA 68 - Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting
- NFPA 654: Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids
- NFPA 664: Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities
Other References