Per NFPA 652 / 654, housekeeping is an approved method of keeping facilities clear of potentially explosive dust accumulations – meaning that quality vacuum cleaning equipment is key to compliance. Kst and Pmax data are required in order to design and install equipment and address housekeeping and explosion protection requirements. Howden can use the data to review your situation and make recommendations.

Designs are preliminary until approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), who will also be responsible for providing a risk analysis for the system.

Wood, coal, toner, charcoal, plastics, coffee, sugar, flour, cotton, paper tissue dust, or other combustible dust particles – even a thin layer – can be hazardous. According to NFPA 652 / 654, a layer of dust no thicker than a dime on facility floors and horizontal surfaces such as ducts, pipes, hoods, ledges and beams need to be handled properly to be safe.

Our engineering team specializes in designing systems that pick up whatever potentially explosive dust you handle and address your specific housekeeping requirements.  The most important data needed to design a compliant system are your Kst and Pmax numbers. We use this data to incorporate explosion-proof (XP) features to help mitigate risk. Critical criteria including the number of operators at one time, facility layout and equipment location enable us to fully customize your system to your needs.

Contact Howden for vacuum cleaning equipment guidance before the September NFPA 652 / 654 deadline.