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Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA/ARP)

Dust risk analysis conduct

The historical absence of incidents in a process is not a guarantee of safety for the future. The conjunction of conditions necessary for a serious event to occur can take place after decades of operation without pitfalls. Regulations, norms and standards have been developed over years to ensure the safety of employees and prevent material losses from buildings and processes. These documents are reactively updated by technical committees, based on data derived from recent loss events and advances in science and engineering. Increasingly, standards are moving from a prescriptive model to a performance-based model. Requirements asking for dust hazard analysis (DHA) outfits were recently added to the NFPA standards. A DHA is “a systematic review intended to identify and assess the potential fire, outbreak and explosion hazards associated with the presence of combustible particulate solids in a process or plant” (NFPA 652 3.3 .18)
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Currently, it is necessary to carry out a dust risk analysis for any new process, factory or premises. (NFPA 652 7.1.1.1)
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For existing processes dating from before these requirements, an ARP may be requested by a competent authority (CNESST inspector or preventionist, insurer)

Risk calculation according to NFPA 652

Several risk analysis methods exist, which can be adapted to carry out a DHA. The method in this document is based on the approach presented in NFPA 652. In most risk analysis methods, two factors, probability (or frequency) and consequence (or severity) are multiplied to quantify a level of risk.

RISK = PROBABILITY x CONSEQUENCE

 

Reduce the level of risk to its maximum

It must be assumed that ignition is possible in the majority of cases

In the majority of processes incorporating pneumatic conveying, dust collection or other form of air/material separators where a cloud of dust is present in normal operation, the probability of a fire or explosion is essentially limited by the probability of an ignition source. NFPA 654 specifies that ignition sources are complex and unpredictable. It must be assumed that ignition is possible in almost all cases.

Control of ignition sources

Ignition may be a very unlikely event (once in 20 years or less), particularly if the majority of credible ignition sources are controlled. However, the control of ignition sources, taken individually, is insufficient to consider that a risk is adequately controlled. The consequences of an explosion or dust deflagration are potentially catastrophic. In the 21st century, when a risk analysis reveals a highly improbable risk, but the consequence of which would be lethal to human health, then this risk must be controlled and reduced to an acceptable level. It is prohibited to knowingly design a process or an operation in anticipation that a human being could be killed in normal operation, even if the probability of such an event is very low..

The consequences of poor risk management

In Canada, an organization, supervisor or professional responsible for such a decision could be held legally and criminally liable.

 

Use the expertise of Beaulier, an engineering consulting firm specializing in fire and explosion protection

In order to ensure that you comply with the regulations in force and to be kept informed of new advances in the field, be sure to discuss with one of our experts. We have the necessary expertise in the field of fire and explosion protection safety, particularly in the case of combustible dust. So you can work with peace of mind while ensuring the safety of your employees and your property!

Protect yourself from the risk of fire and explosion! Contact us or see our Q&A page, where you can learn more about our solutions tailored to your needs that fully comply with applicable safety standards.

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