OSHA – Since currently there is no specific standard related to Combustible Dust, the General Duty Clause is being cited for these violations, referencing NFPA as a resource.

Congress – H.R. 691, the Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act of 2013, has  been reintroduced, requiring Secretary of Labor to address the combustible dust issue.

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) – Creates voluntary consensus standards used by OSHA, AHJ, Business Owner and other related parties.

AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) – Fire Marshall, Building Inspector, or any other local, state, or federal inspector having jurisdiction over your facility.

Insurance Company – FM Global data sheet 7-76 Prevention and Mitigation of Combustible Dust lists “Woodworking” as the greatest number of “Losses by Industry” and “Dust Collectors” as highest number of “Losses by Equipment Type.”

Business Owner – Ultimately the owner has the responsibility to protect workers and business, by using these and any other appropriate and relevant resources.

Employee – Worker training is of utmost importance as NFPA 652 (A.8.4.2.1) states: “Safe work habits are developed and do not occur naturally.”

Jamison Scott is Executive Vice President with over 20+ years of experience and is third generation member of family owned industrial ventilation manufacturing firm Air Handling Systems located in Woodbridge, Connecticut, USA. He serves on the Technical Advisory Board for Air Pollution Control and Chairs the Industrial Dust Task Force for the WMMA (Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America). He holds an MBA and is a licensed sheet metal contractor in the state of Connecticut. Air Handling Systems, 5 Lunar Dr., Woodbridge, CT 06525, 203-389-9595; [email protected]; www.airhand.com

To keep current on combustible dust related issues visit: https://airhand.com/combustible-dust/