Combustible Dust Hazard Analysis, Design Review & Risk Mitigation
Bulk powder and solids handling in the manufacturing, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and other industries present several unique safety challenges. These include handling, processing and storing combustible bulk solids safely to avoid catastrophic incidents, injuries to personnel, damage to property and critical supply chain interruptions. For over 30 years, DEKRA Process Safety has been an industry leader providing independent process safety services to manufacturing sites around the world. These services include consulting, testing, and training in the safe handling and processing of combustible and reactive materials.
Facilities should perform a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) to identify potential fire and explosion hazards associated with handling, processing and storing combustible particulate solids. DEKRA Process Safety has the needed resources, knowledge and experience to conduct a comprehensive DHA and recommend safe, pragmatic and cost-effective solutions for dust hazard mitigation. We can do this for standard industrial equipment, specialized equipment for your process and one-of-a-kind operations.
DEKRA Process Safety seeks to understand the specific needs of owner/operators when conducting a DHA and provides a complete service solution. Our goal is to accompany you on the dust hazard and risk mitigation journey over the lifecycle of your process. This includes early identification of materials for flammability testing, specification of a Basis of Safety, validating the effectiveness of risk mitigation solutions implemented and periodically revalidating your DHAs.
DEKRA is well versed in the industry codes, standards, and recommended practices for combustible dust, sometimes also called Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP). Examples include NFPA 652 Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust, NFPA 654 Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, and other NFPA Codes applicable to specific commodities and industries (such as NFPA 61 regarding Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities). However, many companies overlook the International Fire and Building Codes, which have been adopted as law in most states. These codes contain requirements for combustible dust that are legally enforceable at the state and local levels and can affect the quantity and location of combustible dusts, building construction, and other aspects of the facility.
DEKRA Process Safety personnel routinely perform Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) for new or existing processes and equipment. We also perform a Basis of Safety design review for conceptual facility, equipment, building and/or process designs. DEKRA Process Safety will help take your early stage design, assess potential hazards, address the hazards, and assure at startup that the safeguards and equipment work as designed to mitigate dust hazards. We can also audit your facility or review a future project expansion / design to ensure it meets local fire and building codes.
Let DEKRA Process Safety accompany you on your dust hazard risk mitigation journey!