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OSHA Announces Changes to the Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program

Combustible Dust Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	4/6/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	OSHA Announces Changes to the Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides combustible dust testing services and air monitoring instruments to safeguard workers and to help companies maintain regulatory compliance.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, April 6, 2023 In late January, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP). The original Combustible Dust NEP was issued in 2007, following a number of combustible dust incidents that resulted in fatalities, serious injuries and property destruction. The purpose of the revised NEP is to continue OSHA inspections of facilities that generate or handle combustible dusts likely to cause fire, flash fire, deflagration and explosion hazards. The agency reports the revisions introduce a new approach for locating and inspecting subject establishments. According to OSHA: The NEP was revised based on enforcement history and combustible dust incident reports. In 2018, wood and food products made up an average of 70 percent of the materials involved in combustible dust fires and explosions. Incident reports indicate that the majority of the industries involved in combustible dust hazards are wood processing, agricultural and food production and lumber production, but others are susceptible as well. The following industries were added to the program as they were found to have a higher likelihood of having combustible dust hazards or experienced combustible dust-related fatalities/catastrophes: Commercial Bakeries Printing Ink Manufacturing Cut Stock, Resawing Lumber and Planning Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers “Since the original Combustible Dust NEP went into effect, OSHA has been performing around 600 inspections each year looking for these hazards,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL Analytical, we offer air monitoring instruments and comprehensive combustible dust testing services to support occupational health and safety programs. These resources not only safeguard workers and surrounding communities, they are also instrumental in helping to keep businesses in regulatory compliance.” EMSL sponsored an educational video about combustible dust hazards several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/xX0apupkO3E To learn more about combustible dust testing or air monitoring instruments, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.