OSHA National Emphasis Program

August 25th, 2010

With Combustible Dust at the forefront of OSHA's national agenda, The National Emphasis Program(NEP) has been introduced with the purpose to inspect facilities that generate or handle combustible dusts.  Since the beginning of the OSHA National Emphasis Program, almost 2,000 facilities have been inspected with 4,926 violtaions being handed down.  Of those violations that were written, 74% were considered to be "serious" violations.

You are a target of the National Emphasis Program if:

  • You are covered by OSHA
  • You have Site History
  • You handle/process combustible dusts and powders including metal dust, wood dust, coal dust, plastic dust, biosolids and other organic dusts such as sugar, paper and soap

Inspection Procedures of the NEP include:

  • Assessment of the combustible dust threat to employees
  • Collection of samples of combustible dusts for laboratory analysis
  • Audit of dust management practices and equipment including dust collectors, ductwork and other dust containers
  • Audit of Room Safeguards
  • Audit of ignition source management

The top industries inspected under the OSHA National Emphasis Program have been Wood Products, Food Products, Metal Products and Rubber and Plastic Products.

Now, what can you do to prepare for the OSHA National Emphasis Program inspections?

  1. KEEP YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER - Good housekeeping will reduce your risk of having a major dust explosion.
  2. Become familiar with the OSHA NEP document - This information can be found at http://osha.gov/
  3. Familiarize yourself with the relevant NFPA standards that govern your operations.
  4. Have a hazard assessment conducted for your dust generating operations

At Bedson Reps, we offer several products designed specifically to tackle combustible dust. 

If you have any questions on your combustible dust issues or how we can help please call us at 901-685-8800, or email us at sales [at] bedsonreps [dot] com!

 

 

Bedson Reps provides reliable solutions for Industrial Ventilation, Heating, Dust/Oil Mist/Smoke Collection, Vibration and Seismic Restraints for Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Alabama.

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