(54z) Effectively Evaluating Hazards within a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA)

Dust Hazard Analysis, or DHA, is the framework by which a facility or process is systematically evaluated for Fire and Explosion Hazards related to Combustible Dust. Under the recently revised requirements of NFPA 652, all existing facilities that handle combustible dust are required to complete a DHA by September 7, 2020 and NFPA 652 calls for the DHA to be performed by a “qualified person”. As part of a DHA, the goal is to identify (1.) What hazards exist?, (2.) What Safeguards are in place?, and (3.) What additional Safeguards are required?

This presentation will focus on the first part of the DHA Process, Identifying Hazards. The purpose of this discussion is to highlight the importance of properly Evaluating Hazards. Specifically this presentation will focus on how an evaluation can be improved when looking at a potential fire or explosion scenario. It will cover the ways in which materials are sampled and tested, including why accurate Dust Test Data are crucial in properly evaluating hazards. Additionally, it will outline some pitfalls that should be avoided when conducting a DHA related to overestimating and underestimating risk. Finally, the presentation will outline ways in which a fire or explosion scenario should be addressed during the DHA with examples of practical ways to evaluate the real hazards present against the Standards set by NFPA.

The attendee will leave this presentation with the ability to more effectively evaluate a given scenario involving combustible dust and determine where a hazard exists.