What To Do When Old Dust Collectors No Longer Comply With New Combustible Dust Safety Standards

By United Air Specialists, Inc.

There are thousands of dust collectors used in manufacturing processes each day. Some are more modern, equipped with the latest and greatest safety features and energy-efficient design; while others may be more than 20 years old and still working as good as new, but without the advancements of modern technology. Although seemingly cost-effective for a company to hold onto a dust collection system for so many years, this may also be a potentially hazardous decision when it involves combustible dusts.

OSHA has been placing more emphasis on combustible dust safety in recent years, and sent letters to approximately 30,000 companies across the United States that may be at risk for a combustible dust incident. The letters warned of the potential dangers at these facilities based on the type of processing dusts used. According to OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor, there have been at least 350 combustible dust explosions in the United States since 1980, killing 130 workers and injuring almost 800.