Focus Article - Effective Management of Combustible Dust Hazards - The Role of an Effective Mechanical Integrity Program

Managing combustible dust fire and explosion hazards can be a challenging task because it requires not only a detailed understanding of the fuel/combustible material (the dust), but also an understanding of the process equipment, operating conditions, maintenance practices, engineering and administrative controls currently in place, process-design strategies, hazards-analysis methods, and the site’s safety culture. It is not unusual to find facility management with a good understanding of the process but a limited understanding of the hazards posed by the combustible dust.