The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 654, Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, 2013 Edition applies to various industries.
Organic Dust Fire and Explosion: Massachusetts (3 killed, 9 injured). In February 1999, a deadly fire and explosion occurred in a foundry in Massachusetts. OSHA and state and local officials conducted a joint investigation of this incident.
OSHA has just published a new booklet that outlines safe procedures for emergency responders who may face fires and explosions caused by combustible dust. "Firefighting Precautions at Facilities with Combustible Dust"describes how combustible dust explosions occur and uses historic incidents to illustrate how firefighting operations can prevent combustible dust explosions.
The following are two “letters of interpretation” from OSHA officials answering questions from the field regarding how OSHA’s newly revised hazard communication standard applies to combustible dust.
While the most basic function of a dust collector is to keep workers and workplaces safer, not all collectors are created equal from a safety standpoint. Here are some tips for ensuring that your dust collector is as safe as possible.
A rule to establish standards for combustible dust that’s been in the works since 2009 is scheduled to move closer to completion in 2014, with a proposed draft regulation due this spring.
What are the NFPA standards that address combustible dust issues? Tony and Mike: In trying to sort through the list of combustible dust standards, a good starting point for every EHS professional is NFPA 654, the Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids.
Scott Safety, a global leader in innovative personal protective equipment and safety devices, recently announced the availability of the Spyglass Open Path Combustible Gas Detector, a pair of optical units, one an infrared light source, the other an IR detector, that are separated by a distance and work together to detect the presence of combustible gases in the atmosphere between the two units.
A New York paper manufacturer exposed its workers to falls, electrical hazards and combustible dust, according to OSHA, which has fined Burrows Paper Corp. $298,100 for safety violations found at two of the company’s work sites.
A New York manufacturing company exposed its workers to fire, explosion hazards and a potential occupational carcinogen, according to OSHA, which has levied a $51,800 fine against Salko Kitchens, Inc. "These workers face both immediate and long-term health and safety hazards from on-site conditions," said Kimberly Castillon, OSHA's area director in Albany.