Virtual Event
OptiSaw 2020 Virtual Summit
October 14, 2020 at 11:00am EST

Demystifying the Dust Hazard Analysis

ON DEMAND
Speakers: Francis Petit, dust collection specialist, VETS Group, and Jeramy Slaunwhite, senior explosion safety engineer, Rembe North America

NFPA 652 (Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust) requires that sawmill and pellet plant owners conduct a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) for existing facilities and processes. NFPA 652 states that owners should demonstrate reasonable progress in completing DHAs each year. While NFPA 652 is not a legal requirement in all jurisdictions, facilities wanting to adhere to the Standard need to show reasonable progress in completing DHAs. So, what does ‘reasonable progress’ mean? Why is this so important and what exactly is a successful DHA? VETS Group’s Francis Petit and Rembe’s Jeramy Slaunwhite present a step-by-step explanation of what needs to be included in a DHA, why it’s necessary, how to apply it to your facility and manage it, and more.

Francis Petit, P.Eng
Francis is an engineer for non-engineers and engineers alike! He shares his knowledge eloquently with as much detail as his audience wants while adding real life stories to his presentations. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sherbooke, Que., and has developed a specialization in dust abatement systems. He has more than 10 years’ experience in design, engineering and installation of dust collection and industrial HVAC ventilation systems.

Jeramy Slaunwhite, P.Eng
Jeramy Slaunwhite, P.Eng, is a mechanical engineering graduate from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada with over 13 years of applied engineering experience. Jeramy has developed expertise in manufacturing, consulting and governmental environments in fields including material handling, industrial ventilation, mechanical building systems, energy conservation, and project management. Jeramy’s career focus on industrial combustible dust assessment and design has developed his exceptional familiarity with the NFPA standards for combustible dust safety. Jeramy joined Rembe Inc. in 2018 as their North American explosion safety consultant, where he applies his combustible dust knowledge on explosion safety solutions and technical support for various industries and applications with a focus on NFPA compliance and risk management methodology.