Combustible Dust Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, February 16, 2024

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced it had reached a settlement agreement with a corn milling company that requires the business to pay more than $1.8 million in penalties after an explosion in 2017. Tragically, five workers were killed in the event and more than a dozen were injured.

The company has also agreed to make extensive safety improvements that include the following:

• Meet with OSHA at least yearly to discuss safety and health issues.

• Conduct hazards analyses on grain dust and the need for flame-resistant personal protective garments.
• Provide time, equipment, staffing and training related to combustible dust housekeeping and mechanical integrity equipment inspections, tests and preventative maintenance.

“Preventing combustible dust explosions to avert disasters like this have been an ongoing effort at OSHA,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Just last year, OSHA issued a revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) to further protect workers. The purpose of the revised NEP was to continue OSHA inspections of facilities that generate or handle combustible dusts likely to cause fire, flash fire, deflagration, and explosion hazards.”

Programs to prevent combustible dust explosions in industries that are at risk are so important. EMSL Analytical, with facilities across North America, offers combustible dust laboratory testing services, sampling supplies and air monitoring instruments. These resources can be key components of safety programs designed to protect workers and to help keep companies in regulatory compliance. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about combustible dust hazards that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/FI8xWuQ3ukE

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.