OSHA Pushing Forward to Enact a Combustible Dust Standard
OSHA moving forward with advanced notice of proposed rule making for new combustible dust standard.
As indicated for the past several months OSHA has publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in the Oct. 21 edition of the Federal Register. This is the initial step in the development of a full blown standard to address the hazards of combustible dust.
This has been a hot button issue for both the U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis and the acting OSHA Chief Jordan Barab. There is also strong support for a combustible dust standard coming from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board. In 2006 and again in 2008 during a congressional hearing the board said a new standard, combined with enforcement and education, could save workers’ lives.
“Last year, 14 workers lost their lives in a combustible dust explosion at Imperial Sugar in Port Wentworth, Ga. Since 1980, more than 130 workers have been killed and more than 780 injured in combustible dust explosions,” added acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab.
OSHA has been conducting a Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) since October 2007; a very in-depth status report is available on OSHA’s Combustible Dust Safety and Health Topics page. However OSHA doesn’t feel the NEP is enough. They feel there is a need for a comprehensive standard.
Combustible dusts are solids ground into fine particles, fibers, chips, chunks or flakes that can cause a fire or explosion when suspended in air under certain conditions. Types of dust likely to combust include metal (aluminum and magnesium), wood, plastic or rubber, coal, flour, sugar and paper.
The public has 90 days to comment on the proposed ANPR. The agency also will conduct stakeholder meetings and will analyze all information and comments received from the public in developing a proposed rule on combustible dust. Expect this standard to continue to be a high priority for the current administration.
