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
- Center for Woodworking Innovation/CabinetMakerFDM — Combustible Dust and Regulation Safety Webinar, February 2013 - By Jamison Scott VP, Air Handling Systems.
- Wood Industry — Dust...Spark...Inferno, January 2013 - Combustible dust is a deadly wood-industry hazard. Positive steps can help prevent explosions from two sources: regulations and fire.
- Woodworking Network — ComDust: What Woodworkers Need to Know, December 2012 - Combustible dust is a serious issue. It has become a top health and safety issue in the woodworking industry, By Jamison Scott VP, Air Handling Systems.
- FDM Asia — Combustible Dust — An Explosive Issue, October 2012 - Prone to explosions, combustible dusts are a safety hazard. However, this can be prevented by taking the necessary preventive measures, By Jamison Scott executive VP, Air Handling Systems.
- Combustible Wood Dust Presentation, IWF, August 2012 - Combustible Wood Dust seminar presented by Jamison Scott, at the Technology Theater at the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta, GA.
- Absence of ComDust Rule Doesn't Stop OSHA Enforcement, Woodworking Network, June 2012 - While OSHA currently does not yet have a formal combustible dust standard, that is NOT preventing OSHA inspectors from issuing citations related to combustible dust using current regulations, Written by Jamison Scott.
- Air Pollution Control, October 2011 - What is combustible dust? Do we have it in our plant? Who is in charge of safety? These and others questions are answered in this article.
- 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