(82d) Dust Explosion Prevention: Regulations, Standards, and Mitigation Techniques

The catastrophic dust explosions that occurred in 2003 and 2008 have placed an increased emphasis on the prevention and mitigation of dust explosions. In response to these incidents and CSB recommendations, OSHA has recently introduced a Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program and greatly increased enforcement efforts. More recently, government legislation (HR 5522) requiring OSHA to develop a general industry combustible dust standard was passed by the House of Representatives and referred to the Senate. By the time of the 2009 AIChE LPS this or similar legislation may become law.

In this presentation the current status of dust explosion regulations and consensus standards in the U.S. will be reviewed. Statistics of OSHA enforcement will be presented, including descriptions of the most frequently issued citations. Methodologies used by companies to retrofit existing facilities to mitigate dust explosion hazards will be described. Additionally, guidance will be provided for companies and equipment suppliers involved in the construction of new facilities or process units.