This standard is typically applied to a facility to evaluate workplace conditions which could potentially lead to a fire or explosion due to a combustible dust hazard. Some items in this standard are retroactive requirements. These include elements of facility management, maintenance, documentation and training. Each of these areas should have a written policy and plan, auditable record-keeping, and any additional requirements identified. [NFPA 654, §1.5]

? Management of Change [NFPA 654, §4.3.1]

? Housekeeping [NFPA 654, §8.2.1 - §8.2.3]

? Control of Ignition Sources [NFPA 654, §9.3.2, §9.3.3, §9.4.1-9.4.3, §9.5.1 - §9.5.3]

? Training [NFPA 654, §11.2 and §11.3]

??Inspection, Testing and Maintenance [NFPA 654, §12.1.1 - §12.1.3]

Management of Change (MOC)

A written Management of Change (MOC) program is required for proposed equipment and process changes to areas where combustible dust is handled. The written MOC program must establish a method for managing changes to process materials, technology, equipment, procedures and facilities. A safety review must be performed and documented to ensure any hazards introduced to the process are addressed in an appropriate manner. Well-structured MOC programs also include provisions to handle emergency changes that may arise. An MOC program must address the following issues prior to any change:

? The technical basis for the proposed change

? Safety and health implications

? Whether the change is permanent or temporary

? Modifications to operating and maintenance procedures

? Employee training requirements

?Authorization requirements for the proposed change

Housekeeping

A written Housekeeping Program/Plan should include documented dust accumulation threshold, required cleaning frequencies, inspections, spill response and cleaning methods. [NFPA 654, §6.1, §8.2, and §11.2.2]

A Housekeeping Plan should include [NFPA 654, §8.2.1 - §8.2.3]:

? Housekeeping procedures

? Established time frames to respond to and accomplish spill cleanups or inappropriate accumulations of combustible dusts

? Documented risk evaluation to determine the level of housekeeping/protection measures

??Specify cleaning methods that minimize the risk of generating a fire or explosion hazard

? Portable Vacuum Cleaners meet Class II and are bonded and grounded. (If flammable vapors or gases are present, vacuum must be listed for both Class I and Class II.)

Control of ignition sources

Select ignition sources specify a retroactive requirement, according to the most recent NFPA guidelines. These include:

? Static electricity requirements related to conductive components and bonding and grounding practices [NFPA 654, §9.3]

? Cartridge-actuated tools [NFPA 654, §9.4]

? Open flames and sparks such as hot work and smoking [NFPA 654, §9.5]

Note that provisions for other ignition sources are given in NFPA but are not considered retroactive.

Training

Training, procedures and equipment attentive to mitigate fugitive dust are required to transfer combustible dusts into and out of processing equipment and to handle these materials safely (NFPA 654, §11.2). Site-specific combustible dust training must be provided to employees, documented and include the following elements.

? Initial and refresher training shall be provided to employees who are involved in operating, maintaining, and supervising facilities that handle combustible particulate solids.

? Initial and refresher training shall ensure that all employees are knowledgeable about the following:

• Hazards of their workplace
• General orientation, including plant safety rules
• Process description
• Equipment operation, safe startup and shutdown, and response to upset conditions
• The necessity for proper functioning of related fire and explosion protection systems
• Equipment maintenance requirements and practices
• Housekeeping requirements
• Emergency response plans including prevention, preparation and response to work-related emergencies including but not limited to fire and explosion

? Employer certification and documentation of training

?Train operators on their process area/equipment and include training/updates on new safety procedures or explosion mitigation devices installed on relevant equipment

? Written operating and maintenance procedures including required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as flame-resistant garments, in accordance with the workplace hazard assessment required by NFPA 2113, Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire

? Annual review of plans and procedures or as required by process changes

?Contractor training including hazard awareness, procedures and plans as applicable

Inspection, testing and maintenance

A written inspection, testing and maintenance program is a retroactive requirement and must be developed and implemented to ensure that the fire and explosion protection systems and related process controls and equipment perform as designed. The inspection, testing and maintenance program shall include:

• Fire and explosion protection and prevention equipment in accordance with NFPA standards
• Dust control equipment operates properly
• Housekeeping is effective
• Potential ignition sources are controlled
• Electrical, process and mechanical equipment, including process interlocks, are maintained
• Process changes are reviewed by a Management of Change Program
• Lubrication schedules are identified and maintained for bearings and other rotating equipment or components as necessary.
• Records shall be kept of maintenance and repairs performed. [NFPA 654, §12.1.3]

In addition, specific requirements exist for maintenance on the following pieces of equipment: air-material separators and filter media, abort gates and dampers, fire and explosion protection systems, air-moving devices (i.e. fans and blowers), material feeding devices and bearings.

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)

The process hazard analysis (PHA) requirement has been in effect since 2006 and affects facilities designed and built on or after this date.

But proposed modifications such as equipment replacement or changes will trigger the PHA requirement. The PHA must address fire and explosion safety provisions of the facility, equipment and processes when major replacements or renovations of an existing facility occur. [NFPA 654, §4.2.1]

If the process, equipment or operation does not prevent accumulation of dust external to equipment at all times, then the PHA must identify and document the maximum allowable layer thickness, maximum allowable deposit surface area, and minimum PPE requirements. [NFPA 654, §4.2.3]

Results of the process hazard analysis need to be documented and maintained for the life of the process. [NFPA 654, §4.2.2] While conducting a PHA is not a retroactive requirement for the existing facility, it can serve as a useful tool to evaluate risk of specific upset scenarios and determine if adequate safeguards and protective strategies are in place.