Combustible Dust: A Practical Approach to Identifying and Mitigating Hazards

Combustible dust hazards are prevalent in many facilities throughout industry, including the chemical process industries. Lack of awareness and control of these hazards has led to numerous catastrophic accidents. Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP has developed a practical approach to identifying and mitigating combustible dust hazards for use in both petrochemical and general industrial facilities. This approach, which is based on industry Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practice and regulatory guidance, is a systematic program which utilizes training programs, characterization and assessment checklist tools, and inspection protocols to develop a combustible dust management plan specific to each facility. Implementation of combustible dust management plans is expected to significantly lower the risk of catastrophic accidents.