OSHA Combustible Dust Standard

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently working to develop a federal standard to address the threat combustible dust, or solids that are ground into fine particles, fibers, chips, etc. that can cause a fire or explosion when suspended in the air. While combustible dust is a problem in numerous industries including textiles, chemicals, recycling, plastics, and furniture manufacturing, and has been linked to more than 200 explosions and hundreds of casualties over the last 25 years, OSHA says there is no comprehensive standard covering all industries.

The agency's recent regulatory agenda identified its efforts to craft national standards addressing the threat of combustible dust in the workplace as a "long-term initiative," due to the rule’s likely complexity and large number of businesses impacted, according to OSHA administrator David Michaels. However, OSHA has also said it is one of the agency’s top priorities. It is currently working to gather and evaluate stakeholder input on the appropriate scope, the role of existing consensus standards, and more.

SMART is participating in industry coalition activities and will monitor and update its members as this regulation moves forward.

To learn more, visit: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/combustibledust/index.html