Combustible Dusts
At my facility, we have 2 processes which generate dust.
1) Deburring/Grinding - most of our parts are copper but we also have some aluminum which are ground using bench grinders as well as angle grinding by hand.
I recently purchased 3 new downdraft tables for them, and have required that the aluminum be done at the machine with wet collection...the other 2 are dry. While the downdraft tables are great, they aren't perfect so there's definitely dust everywhere in that department
2) Powdercoat operation - spraying aerated epoxy resin plastic dusts on metal parts so they can then be baked in large ovens
The spray booths have a collection area, but they don't do a perfect job
I would love some feedback as to any companies which specialize in assessing combustibility risk? Is it worth doing, or do you think I can be safely covered with a documented cleaning program and keeping departmental surfaces under 1/32" of accumulations?
For those not versed in this standard, I'm linking the OSHA quick card here"
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/combustibledustposter.pdf
Comments (4)
Sorry I didn't get a chance to reply sooner - with respect to sample collection, there isn't a standard procedure or qualifications to collect the bulk dust, but the labs can provide instructions. Typically they ask you to double bag each bulk dust, and of course you'll need to label them and provide a sample submission form tracking each sample and indicating what analysis you need.
With respect to the DHA, yes that needs to be completed IF the dust is combustible or explosible.
Braden,
You should complete a DHA per NFPA 652 and 484 for aluminum. If you need assistance please contact me at 6107611804. You can review my credentials at www.gncgconsulting.com.
Hi Branden,
I would recommend having those dusts tested, starting with a combustibility and explosibility screening from a company like Fauske or Dekra. Although the housekeeping you mention is important, there are a number of other considerations such as equipment and electrical fixture ratings, etc. Also, even for something like copper and aluminum which you might presume to be combustible, may not be depending on things such as the particle sizes present.
The testing is easy to execute, you just need to collect enough bulk dust to send in per the testing company's recommendations. The tough part is interpretation and implementing the right procedures, and also keep in mind additional testing may be needed if the screening test comes back showing combustible and/or explosible - there are additional parameters you need to know that impact dust collector and other equipment design parameters.
If your dusts are combustible, OSHA would expect you to complete a Dust Hazard Analysis per NFPA standards on this topic. Although there is not a separate OSHA standard, they do have an emphasis program and I have seen this sited under the general duty clause.
If you need further technical assistance, I'm a consultant and my company has experts in DHAs. Feel free to contact me at baltemose@trinityconsultants.com.