In the opposite scenario, having a DHA can help identify the deflagration or explosion hazards that would otherwise not be identified and potentially go unmitigated. In such cases, the DHA process is a critical tool in helping to make the case for exclusion of explosion protection systems that would otherwise be required. For instance, a facility might be configured to protect the facility and personnel-by establishing operating conditions that prevent ignitable concentrations of dust, or by demonstrating that the dust as handled cannot be ignited by the potential ignition sources that are present.

Once you have the results, what is the next step? And how can you be sure you have the proper level of combustible dust protection? While combustible dust testing is an invaluable step in characterizing the dusts within your facility, a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) ensures that combustible dust hazards are appropriately identified with a plan in place to support mitigation.Īlthough combustible materials are being handled in many cases that cross our path, that doesn’t always mean that there is an explosion hazard.

Combustible Dust in an Ignitable Concentration.

There are 5 elements required for a deflagration or explosion hazard:

However, the presence of a combustible material doesn’t necessarily mean that you are at risk for a dust explosion. By testing the dust at your facility, you can confirm whether your dust has the potential to cause an explosion, as well as the severity parameters such as how violently the dust will react and sensitivity parameters including how easily the dust is ignited. One way to avoid these tragic explosions is to better understand your dust hazard.

This event serves as a reminder that combustible dust remains a serious workplace threat throughout the world. This August marked the seventh anniversary of the combustible dust explosion at an automotive parts supply factory in eastern China, which killed 75 people and injured nearly 200 more.

Martin jensen sound engineer