Why Choose Stonehouse for Your DHA?
At Stonehouse Process Safety we identify hazards, assess risks, recommend practical control measures and work with you as an independent partner to provide the expert support services you need as you implement change to prevent dust explosions and fires and protect against their consequences.
- Cost-effective, tailored solutions, delivering quality without unnecessary costs
- Experienced process safety consultants with an average of 30 years of combustible dust expertise
- Hundreds of process safety projects across multiple industries
- In-house ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory for combustible dust testing
- Practical, risk-based recommendations informed by actual testing data
- Support and guidance with implementing DHA recommendations
Our Approach
A Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) is a systematic process used to improve plant safety by identifying the specific combustible dust hazards associated with an operation or process.
To perform a DHA, we visit your facility to review the operations and processes to identify potential dust explosion hazards, determine the effectiveness of your existing safety measures, and develop a plan to eliminate or mitigate those hazards.
A Dust Hazard Analysis procedure normally involves the following steps:
Reviewing the fire and explosion characteristics of the powders you handle in your facility.
Identifying locations where hazardous dust accumulations and/or explosible dust cloud atmospheres could be present under normal and foreseeable abnormal conditions.
Identifying potential ignition sources that could be present under normal and foreseeable abnormal conditions.
Evaluating all of the potential dust fire, flash fire, and explosion hazards in the process and facility.
Reviewing the effectiveness of your existing measures for ensuring safety from dust fires and explosions.
Ensuring safety through properly defined fire and explosion prevention and protection measures – defining a clear “Basis of Safety” for your operations.
We will work closely with you to learn more about your specific operations and develop a plan for the most practical and cost-effective approaches available to reduce your dust explosion risk.
We can also serve as a resource to help you with implementation of the recommendations. Our support services provide you the peace of mind that comes from working with highly experienced specialists.
Contact Stonehouse Process Safety for Dust Explosion Prevention & Protection Today
Stonehouse Process Safety has many decades of combined dust explosion experience throughout the process industries globally. Our process industry experience spans hundreds of large and small process safety projects and incident investigations. We have our own in-house ISO accredited testing laboratories offering a complete list of dust explosion, self-heating, and static electricity tests that are listed in NFPA 660 (formerly NFPA 652).
We are recognized for our scientific, yet practical approach to preventing and mitigating dust fire and explosions risk, using hard data whenever possible. When you work with us, we utilize our expertise and experience to address the challenges you are facing and develop mitigation solutions efficiently and cost effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA)
Is a DHA required under NFPA 660?
Yes. NFPA 660 (2025), Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids, requires a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) for applicable facilities and processes handling combustible or explosible dusts. A DHA identifies and evaluates potential fire, flash fire, and explosion hazards and recommends measures to manage these risks. The assessment must be performed or led by a qualified person with appropriate expertise in combustible dust hazards.
How often does a Dust Hazard Analysis need to be updated?
NFPA 660 requires that a Dust Hazard Analysis be reviewed and updated at least every 5 years. Additional reviews may be necessary when significant changes occur to processes, equipment, materials, or facility operations. Regular DHA reviews help ensure that previously identified hazards, existing safeguards, and recommendations remain relevant and effective.
How long does a DHA take?
The time required to complete a Dust Hazard Analysis depends on the size and complexity of the facility, the number of processes and equipment involved, and the availability of supporting documentation. Smaller, less complex facilities may require only a short site visit, while larger operations may require multiple days of assessment. Stonehouse works with each client to develop an efficient, cost-effective approach tailored to their specific operations.
What’s the difference between a DHA and a DHA revalidation?
An initial Dust Hazard Analysis is a comprehensive assessment of the combustible dust hazards associated with a facility’s processes and operations. A DHA revalidation reviews an existing assessment to confirm that identified hazards, safeguards, and recommendations remain accurate and appropriate. Where minimal changes have occurred, a revalidation may require less effort than an initial DHA. Facilities that have undergone significant modifications may require a more extensive reassessment.
What information is needed to conduct a DHA?
A Dust Hazard Analysis typically requires information about the powders and materials handled, process operations, equipment, and existing safety measures. Supporting documentation may include facility layouts, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), previous hazard assessments, and combustible dust testing data. Stonehouse works closely with facility personnel to identify the information needed and determine whether additional material testing is warranted.
Can a DHA be performed remotely?
In some cases, yes. Depending on the facility’s size, complexity, and available documentation, certain Dust Hazard Analyses may be conducted remotely or through a combination of virtual assessments and on-site inspections. Remote assessments typically involve reviewing facility documentation, photographs, process information, and discussions with knowledgeable plant personnel. Stonehouse evaluates each project individually to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective assessment approach.
How much does a Dust Hazard Analysis cost?
Pricing varies depending on facility size, number and complexity of processes on site, available documentation, and whether an on-site assessment is required. Stonehouse works with your team to understand your operations, needs, and budget and determine the best approach for the project.
Get in touch
To learn more about our expertise and services in dust explosion prevention & mitigation, call us at +1 609 455 0001 or email us at [email protected] today.
We also offer tailored virtual and in-company process safety training programs on Dust Explosions, Static Electricity and HAC (Hazardous Area Classification) and more. Find further information here.
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