The Impacts and Implications of NFPA 652, NFPA's Newest Combustible Dust Standard

摘要

The issue of combustible dust and its associated hazards (fire, deflagration, explosion) has existed for hundreds of years throughout numerous processes and equipment. However, it is only recently that the topic of combustible dust has become one of the primary concerns and focal points in the field of safety and health. Although combustible dust fires and explosions have occurred as early as 1785 and continue to occur to this day, most safety and health professionals still perceive combustible dust hazards as low priority and low risk. However, this perception has begun to change after several high-profile combustible dust accidents and fatalities, as well as increased enforcement of combustible dust hazards by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) (e.g. fire marshals/departments, insurance firms/carriers, etc.).