Chilworth Technology Inc.’s dust explosion testing and process safety management services will help all process manufacturing industries - including agricultural - address OSHA’s hazard communications rule covering combustible dust. This rule was recently upheld by a federal appeals court in an October 24, 2014 ruling that combustible dust hazards must be addressed on labels and safety data sheets and in training as required by OSHA’s hazard communication standard.
OSHA included combustible dust - including dust from grain - as a hazardous chemical in its 2012 hazard communication regulations. This ruling requires employers to develop, implement, and maintain a written hazard communication program informing employees about hazardous chemicals present in the workplace, supply labels and safety data sheets, and train employees on the detection of hazardous chemical releases, safe handling methods, and emergency procedures. OSHA subsequently issued guidance in December 2013 advising that regulated parties should classify materials as combustible dust using any past experience of explosions involving those materials, results of published test data on similar materials or available information about particle size to determine the combustible dust hazard.
“Chilworth has provided services related to the safe handling, processing and storage of combustible dusts and powders globally for more than 25 years,” said Dr. Vahid Ebadat, CTO of Chilworth. “Our process safety services include laboratory testing, process safety consulting, and in-company training services to help companies not only comply with regulations but go beyond compliance to design and implement proactive process safety programs that ensure employee safety, protect investment in infrastructure and equipment, and protect shareholder value.”
Chilworth is a global organization that helps process industries avoid major fire, explosion and loss of containment events, and improve performance to save lives and protect assets. It has globally consistent consultant practitioners who deliver consulting, training, and testing in process safety worldwide and in a wide variety of languages. Chilworth partners with its clients to improve their process safety performance, independently advises boards on process safety, presents globally on the subject, and uses the resources of its parent company (DEKRA) for support in areas such as organizational safety (culture and behavioral safety), mechanical integrity, and certification.
For related articles, news, and equipment reviews, visit our Explosion Protection & Safety Equipment Zone
