Using the Results of a Dust Hazard Analysis

The Dust Hazard Analysis is only as good as the actions taken to make imperative upgrades to the safety of a facility. Find the steps of how to use the results of the DHA below.

Prioritizing Recommendations

While the DHA will probably identify several areas of concern, it’s likely some are more important than others to correct before an accident occurs. (visit section >)

Executing an Action Plan

The list of ranked recommendations is consulted to form a plan to improve safety across the plant. (visit section >)

Consulting Necessary Experts

Certain recommendations will require the help of a safety solutions provider to install reliable systems to prevent or mitigate a fire or explosion. (visit  section >)

Prioritizing Recommendations

Once a comprehensive list of recommendations has been identified, it’s important to rank each of these action items.

Recommendations are usually prioritized based on the prospective hazard’s likelihood of occuring and its possible consequences. For example, a dust collector located in the middle of a plant near employees is likely a higher priority than a dust collector located outside away from people and other ignition sources.

Many Dust Hazard Analysis experts use proprietary risk analysis equations to help prioritize the most critical hazards.

Need an example of prioritized recommendations?

DOWNLOAD: SAMPLE DHA RECOMMENDATIONS

Executing an Action Plan

Administrative Controls
Work with operations and maintenance to discuss how the following may be implemented:

Improve housekeeping in areas with dust accumulation

Develop preventative maintenance protocols

Perform regular maintenance on equipment, such as keeping bearings lubricated

Hire safety consultant to follow up on recommendations and scheduled maintenance

Engineering Controls
May result in necessary capital expenditures and projects, including:

Install explosion protection systems

Implement spark detection and suppression

Invest in temperature monitoring equipment

So, how does one ensure that not only is the facility safe from an explosion or fire but also compliant with regulatory organizations such as OSHA?

Any identified critical areas must be addressed immediately. A few examples of critical areas include a room with dust accumulation and an electrical panel with exposed wires, or a piece of equipment with obvious ignition sources and without explosion protection systems.

For the less critical items, as long as the recommendations are being methodically addressed, these efforts will often pass compliance. It’s often up to the facility to balance the priorities of the recommendations along with the ease and cost of implementation to complete the action plan.

Need help executing any part of your action plan?

GET HELP NOW

Consulting Necessary Experts

Finally, it’s common for the DHA to identify several Engineering Controls, such as implementing explosion prevention systems, explosion mitigation systems and fire suppression systems, or to schedule a quarterly maintenance plan.

Fike offers comprehensive explosion and fire protection solutions for many documented recommendations within the DHA. If you have questions about safety systems, need help with installation and commissioning or require scheduled maintenance to remain NFPA compliant, there’s no more qualified partner than Fike.

Ready to get protected and compliant with local regulations?

CONTACT FIKE