Where Dust Explosions Start: Equipment-Level Hazards & How to Control Them (Part 2) -- Occupational Health & Safety

Where Dust Explosions Start: Equipment-Level Hazards & How to Control Them (Part 2)

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 2:00pm ET - 1:00pm CT - 11:00am PT

The key factors that contribute to dust fires and explosions are commonly illustrated using the fire triangle and dust explosion pentagon models. Using these fundamental concepts, this webinar will explore where dust explosions can originate within process equipment, with a focus on bulk bags (FIBCs), sieving/screening, and blending operations. May 2026 webinar covered pneumatic conveying, silos/bins, and dust collectors.

We will then examine common failure points that can lead to incidents, including static sparks due to inadequate bonding and grounding, frictional heating, and grinding sparks that may result in flash fires, or explosions.

Building on these insights, the session will introduce a data-driven approach to preventing and mitigating dust fire and explosion hazards. This includes actionable strategies for controlling ignition sources, along with strategies for explosion protection and isolation.

The webinar will also clarify key roles and responsibilities, outlining what operators should monitor on a daily basis versus what engineers should address through design. Overall, the webinar is designed to support compliance with Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) requirements outlined in NFPA 660: Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids, while providing practical, implementable guidance for facilities.

Webinar Objectives

1. Explain the fundamentals of dust fire and explosion hazards using the fire triangle and dust explosion pentagon models.
2. Identify high-risk areas within process units and recognize common failure points that can lead to dust-related incidents.
3. Apply practical, data-driven strategies to prevent and mitigate dust fires and explosions.
4. Relate operational and engineering responsibilities to support compliance with Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) requirements under NFPA 660.

About the Speaker:

Vahid Ebadat, Ph.D., President of Stonehouse Process Safety, Inc.

Vahid Ebadat, is President of Stonehouse Process Safety, Inc. He has worked extensively as a process safety consultant for the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, paper/wood, and other process industries globally for over 30 years. Dr. Ebadat has published many technical articles and papers and is a regular speaker on process safety topics, including dust explosion, static electricity, gas & vapor flammability, and thermal decomposition/self-heating hazard assessment and control. Dr. Ebadat is a member of the Institute of Physics (IOP), a Chartered Physicist, a Member, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Committee E-27 on Hazard Potential of Chemicals, and a principal member of the following National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committees: • NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity • NFPA 660, Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids, including: o Technical Committee on Fundamentals of Combustible Dust (formerly NFPA 652) o Technical Committee on Handling and Conveying of Dusts, Vapors, and Gases (formerly NFPA 654)

Duration: 1 Hour

VAC-U-MAX Since 1954, VAC-U-MAX has pioneered industrial vacuum and pneumatic conveying technology, developing innovative solutions for challenging and hazardous applications. From combustible materials and flammable fuels to bulk material handling and debris recovery, VAC-U-MAX combines decades of application expertise, vertical integration, and engineering innovation to deliver reliable, industry-leading systems designed to improve safety and operational performance. Learn more at https://vac-u-max.com/

Fauske Fauske & Associates uses a data-backed approach to solve complex process safety problems and prevent or mitigate accidents in the chemical and nuclear industries. We provide custom solutions including site assessments, full service testing, engineering, simulation, consulting, and training to nearly every industry from food processing to power generation. Learn more at https://www.fauske.com/

Donaldson Company For more than 100 years, Donaldson has delivered innovative filtration solutions for complex customer needs across industries including aerospace, agriculture, manufacturing, food and beverage, power generation, and transportation. Its technologies support applications ranging from heavy equipment and industrial processes to laboratories and advanced manufacturing, helping customers improve performance, efficiency, and reliability. Learn more at https://www.donaldson.com/en//

EMSL Analytical Since 1981, EMSL has provided comprehensive environmental, materials, and forensic testing services through its nationwide laboratory network. Its expertise spans asbestos, microbiology, lead paint, environmental chemistry, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, food testing, and more. EMSL delivers reliable, defensible data with rapid turnaround, advanced methodologies, and a strong commitment to customer service. Learn more at https://emsl.com/

Job Title

First Name

Last Name

Company

Country

State/Province

Address

City

Postal Code

Phone

Phone ext

Please select the primary function for which you are responsible.

Which category best describes the primary end product manufactured or service performed at your business?

Your e-mail address is used to communicate with you about your registration, related products and services, and offers from select vendors. Refer to our Privacy Policy for additional information.