Controlling the dust generated by manufacturing processes is critical to maintaining indoor air quality. A high-efficiency dust collector with cartridge-style filters can help, but it must be designed specifically for your operation to effectively filter hazardous dust to make the indoor environment safer. It is also important to analyze dust characteristics to determine the best dust collection system and filters for your application. Dust testing is valuable if you are installing a new dust collector system, starting a new manufacturing process and even if you have been generating and capturing the same type of dust for a long time. Changes in equipment, processes, environment or products can affect dust characteristics.
In 2020, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) mandated that all dust collection needs be documented in a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) according to NFPA 652: Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust. The DHA identifies dust explosion and fire hazards, and it can help determine if the dust affects indoor air quality.