Resources to Mitigate Combustible Dust Hazards in the Workplace

Earlier this year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP). The purpose of the revised NEP was to continue OSHA inspections of facilities that generate or handle combustible dusts likely to cause fire, flash fire, deflagration, and explosion hazards. The revisions introduced a new approach for locating and inspecting subject establishments according to OSHA.

Combustible materials can burn rapidly when in a finely divided form. If such a dust is suspended in the air, in the right concentration and under certain conditions, it can become explosible. Even materials that do not burn in larger pieces - like aluminum or iron, given the proper conditions, can be explosible in dust form reports OSHA.

The following industries were added to the revised NEP as they were found to have a higher likelihood of having combustible dust hazards or experienced combustible dust-related fatalities/catastrophes:

• Commercial Bakeries
• Printing Ink Manufacturing
• Cut Stock, Resawing Lumber and Planning
• Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing
• Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers

“The force from a combustible dust explosion can cause deaths, injuries, and even the destruction of entire facilities,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is why EMSL Analytical proudly offers comprehensive combustible dust testing services and air monitoring instruments to help protect workers and the public. These resources are also instrumental for supporting regulatory compliance efforts.”

EMSL recently sponsored a new educational video about combustible dust hazards that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/FI8xWuQ3ukE

To learn more about combustible dust testing or air monitoring instruments, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail