(52ad) H-2 Occupancy?! Addressing Combustible Dust Challenges Related to Fire and Building Code Occupancy

Combustible dust hazards pose a serious risk to an organization's assets and personnel across a variety of industries. With increased awareness of these hazards by code officials enforcing local fire and building codes, there is more emphasis than ever on the need for proper design, installation, and operation of equipment handling combustible dust. A common challenge for end users looking to erect a new building or repurpose an existing building compartment is the occupancy classification. In many cases, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may require that a high-hazard (H-2) occupancy be applied, citing the International Building Code (IBC) requirements. However, the restrictions on storage quantities and additional fire protection requirements often drive owner/operators to push back on the H-2 occupancy classification through an appeals process. One effective way to show whether an occupancy is truly worthy of an H-2 designation is to perform a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) in accordance with NFPA 652 and use the resulting output from that DHA to demonstrate how the combustible dust may be prevented from generating an explosible cloud in the building through engineering and administrative controls such as closed vessels and dust control.

A case study will illustrate the importance and impact of understanding and properly addressing combustible dust when dealing with Fire Code and Building Code officials:

• Case Study– How to Address Combustible Dust in Fire Code & Building Code Permitting