Does your DUst Collector MEET SPRING 2009

THE LAW? I N T H I S I SSUE :

known to be inert National Fire Protection

(0 Kst). All other Association Standards & Dust
Collection Systems
classifications of dust
need to have controlled Shive-Hattery contacts:
explosion venting.
Illinois
Bloomington
The next step to Jerry Riebe
2103 Eastland Drive
meet NFPA 68 is to Bloomington, IL 61702
maintain extensive (800) 798-8992
documentation. In Downers Grove
addition to completing Wayne Marth
Todd Russell
a hazard analysis of 3025 Highland Parkway
the dust collection Suite 140
Downers Grove, IL 60515
system, NFPA 68 lists
(888) 282-8039
Results of a dust explosion at an industrial facility. nineteen documents
On May 1, 2008, Congress granted OSHA the which must be maintained on file to satisfy Moline
Jennifer Bennett
authority to enforce National Fire Protection the local authorities. The end user is also 1701 River Drive, Suite 200
Association (NFPA) Standards as law in regards responsible for an annual inspection of the dust Moline, IL 61265
(800) 798-7650
to explosive venting of dust collection systems. collection systems explosion venting system.
These new laws will follow NFPA 68: Standard Iowa
Cedar Rapids
on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Even if you currently have explosion venting, Rick Berndt
Venting. it may not be sized properly. The old formulas 201 3rd Avenue, Suite 500
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
involving simple area ratios no longer apply. (800) 798-0227
NFPA 68 is no longer a guideline, it is now Your dust collector supplier should be able to
Iowa City
a standard. Nearly all the local government provide you with a calculation sheet for vent Steve Bradley
and insurance agencies have adopted NFPA sizing to comply with the new NFPA 68. The vent 2834 Northgate Drive
Iowa City, IA 52245
as their code. In other words, NFPA has set area required is not based on potential back
(800) 798-3040
the standards and it is then up to the local pressure from the discharge ductwork.
authorities and OSHA to enforce them. West Des Moines
Jim Lee
Also, horizontal explosion vents need to 1601 48th Street, Suite 200
What Could This Mean for You? be protected from snow, ice and debris West Des Moines, IA 50266
(800) 798-8104
You may be required to install updated dust accumulation that may prevent the proper
collection and/or explosion venting equipment operation of the vent. The new NFPA 68 does Nebraska
Omaha
to meet the new standards. The explosive power not allow flameless venting inside buildings. Coale Johnson
of a dust is determined by its deflagration index, 1701 River Drive, Suite 200
Moline, IL 61265
denoted as its “Kst.” The only time deflagration If you have a dust collector or are considering a (800) 798-7650
venting can be dismissed is when a dust is new one, check into your local requirements.

Industry Letter, a publication by Shive-Hattery Architecture-Engineering www.shive-hattery.com

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JUNE 2007

Industry Letter is
published by
Shive-Hattery architecture
and engineering.

Shive-Hattery contacts
in Illinois and Iowa:

Bloomington
Jerry Riebe
2103 Eastland Drive
Bloomington, IL 61702
(800) 798-8992

Chicago
Wayne Marth
3025 Highland Parkway
Suite 140
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(888) 282-8039

Cedar Rapids
Rick Berndt
201 3rd Avenue, Suite 500
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
(800) 798-0227

Iowa City
Steve Bradley
2834 Northgate Drive
Iowa City, IA 52245
(800) 798-3040

West Des Moines

Jim Lee
1601 48th Street, Suite 200
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(800) 798-8104

Moline
Myron Scheibe
1701 River Drive, Suite 200
Moline, IL 61265
(800) 798-7650

www.shive-hattery.com
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