The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is emphasizing combustible dust safety. Lewellyn Technology offers combustible dust hazard analysis, explosion protection design, and operational guidance to ensure the safety of employees and the facility.

Between 1980 and 2008, combustible dust was responsible for 348 explosions, 793 injuries, and 133 deaths. It is a hazard that goes overlooked in many facilities due to the fact that it is not fully understood. Dust can become fuel for fires and explosions when it accumulates to dangerous levels. Combustible dustcomes from many sources, such as sugar, flour, feed, plastics, wood, rubber, furniture, textiles, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, coal, and metals, and therefore poses a risk across a number of different industries throughout the United States. OSHA shows some of the materials that may become explosive when divided into small enough particles (view OSHA Combustible Dust Poster PDF).

We are available to conduct a hazard analysis at the facility to determine the location and severity of combustible dust hazards at a facility. We can also assist with developing combustible dust policies, safety programs, aid in training and implementation of the program, and perform engineering design and selection of explosion prevention and protection equipment.

Hazard Analysis
During the hazard analysis, our engineers will examine the combustible dust handling and generating processes at a facility. MSDS’s will be examined to determine the explosibility of a material and material sampling may take place if necessary. The hazard analysis report will include locations and severities of hazards and provide recommendations designed to lower the risk associated with combustible dust.

Combustible Dust Safety Program
We can develop a facility-specific Combustible Dust Safety Program that will be an all-inclusive safety plan addressing combustible dust hazards. It will outline policies and procedures used to help ensure employee safety. Elements of the plan include drawings illustrating the locations of dust hazards, housekeeping standards, training schedule, emergency response, inspection forms and recommendations for improving facility safety

Training and Implementation
We are available to develop and implement a Combustible Dust Training Program for management and employees. We will help personnel understand the hazards involved with their jobs and their responsibilities to ensure the safety of themselves and fellow employees. The training given is site specific to address the unique hazards present at the facility.

We are available to assist in the implementation of the Combustible Dust Safety Program. We will work with personnel so they understand their roles in combustible dust safety and help them complete the checklists and inspection forms that are part of the program. We are also available for periodic audits to ensure the plans are being followed.

Engineering Design
We assist facilities in the design and selection of explosion prevention and protection equipment and are staffed with registered Professional Engineers in multiple states who can ensure conformance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and/or local standards.