Evaluating Combustible Dust Hazards and Implementing a Risk Reduction Program

Dust is created from solids handling in many industries. Every company that has a process that handles dust must fully understand all of the associated hazards. A hazard analysis performed by competent technical specialist using fully developed process safety information is the most effective method of hazard evaluation. Process hazard analysis (PHA) methodology developed and matured in the refining and chemical industries is proving very successful in evaluating combustible dust handling processes.

This paper will present methodology for combustible dust process hazard analysis. Once hazards have been identified and the consequences associated with improper handling are fully understood safety systems can be evaluated for adequacy and gaps identified. This paper will discuss available recognized and generally accepted good engineering practice as well as industry best practices. Combustible dust control philosophies will be reviewed and discussed. Management systems, dust handling equipment, safety systems, and mitigation systems will also be a focus of this paper.