Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PART 1
in Atlanta, Georgia killed one person and injured five others. The
tragic irony of this incident is that the plant had been reviewed by
OSHA in 2013 after a small dust explosion, and had subsequent
annual on-site inspections.
Nevertheless, feed dust continued to accumulate between the
inspections and consequently caused the disastrous explosion. A
witness described to WSB-TV in Atlanta, that the sound was as
loud as a sonic boom or an earthquake.
Similarly, in June 2016, OSHA fined High Country Elevators
Inc. US$51,920 for several issues including combustible dust
accumulation above 1/8.
These are just two examples of unnecessary tragedy and
expense, as a result of a lack of collective knowledge or concern
for compliance or perhaps both.
Regulatory agencies have responded with issuing higher fines
and new standards. No one wants more accidents. But there
remains a gap in knowledge and I am writing to fill that gap.
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2018, it is wise for us to consider the changes required in the
current version since it has been issued.
Therefore, what follows are the highlights of changes dictated
by NFPA 652 issues so grain processors can take action to best
protect their businesses and employees. There are significant
changes to processes that the grain industry must be aware of and
respond to.
Scope of standard
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Step 2: Identify locations where dust can accumulate. This
means you have to inspect all areas where dust exists, and
identify the level of accumulation. You must pay particular
attention to overhead structures such as piles, joists, beams and
ductwork. You also have to examine drop ceilings and any area
where dust potentially could be released in abnormal conditions.
Step 3: Determine your ignition sources. This can come from
anywhere, but pay attention to process equipment, smoking,
static electricity, forklifts, welding or other high temperature
work, friction, electrical sparks or arching, radiant heat, and open
flames.
Step 4: Quantify the risk. Evaluate the deflagration and
explosion potential for each area and piece of equipment.
Determine the severity of risk for employees and processes. If the
FABRICATED
METAL
PRODUCTS
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