Combustible Dust Housekeeping Audit

Inspection template for evaluating combustible dust housekeeping controls in accordance with NFPA 652, including dust layer management, maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) controls, vacuuming practices, and ignition source prevention.

Inspection Scope and Area Identification

• Inspection area and process identified
  Document the specific room, line, equipment area, or process zone included in this audit.
• Combustible dust hazard assessment available and current
  Verify that the facility has a documented combustible dust hazard assessment supporting the housekeeping program.
• Housekeeping inspection frequency defined for this area
  Confirm the area has a defined inspection and cleaning frequency based on dust generation and risk.
• Recent housekeeping inspection date
  Enter the date and time of the most recent housekeeping inspection for this area.

Dust Layer Management

• Visible dust accumulation kept below facility action level
  Check whether dust layers on floors, ledges, beams, cable trays, equipment, and other surfaces remain below the site's defined action level.
• Dust layer thickness measured where accumulation is present
  Measure representative dust layer thickness at the inspected location.
• Horizontal surfaces free of settled dust buildup
  Verify that beams, rafters, tops of equipment, light fixtures, ducting, and other horizontal surfaces are not allowing hazardous dust accumulation.
• Dust migration to adjacent areas controlled
  Confirm that housekeeping practices prevent dust from spreading into walkways, offices, electrical rooms, or other non-process areas.
• Housekeeping records show timely cleanup of dust accumulation
  Review whether cleanup logs or work orders show dust accumulation is addressed within the required timeframe.

Vacuuming and Cleanup Practices

• Approved vacuum equipment used for combustible dust cleanup
  Confirm that vacuuming is performed with equipment approved for combustible dust service and appropriate for the dust hazard classification.
• Compressed air not used for routine dust cleanup
  Verify that compressed air is not used for routine cleaning unless specifically controlled, justified, and performed with safeguards.
• Cleanup method prevents dust cloud generation
  Observe whether sweeping, blowing, or other cleanup activities are avoided when they would create airborne dust clouds.
• Vacuum hoses, filters, and containers in good condition
  Inspect vacuum equipment for damage, leaks, clogged filters, or full collection containers that could reduce effectiveness or create ignition risk.
• Collected dust disposed of in closed containers
  Confirm that removed dust is transferred and stored in closed, labeled containers to prevent re-entrainment and ignition exposure.

MAQ Controls and Dust Storage

• Maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) defined for this area
  Verify that the facility has established and communicated a maximum allowable quantity for combustible dust in the inspected area.
• Stored dust or dust-containing waste within MAQ
  Confirm that dust, dust waste, and recovered material stored in the area do not exceed the defined MAQ.
• Dust collection bins and waste containers labeled and covered
  Check that containers used for combustible dust are labeled, covered, and managed to prevent release and ignition.
• Dust transfer points cleaned before overflow occurs
  Verify that transfer points, hoppers, bag dumps, and similar locations are cleaned before dust overflows or accumulates excessively.

Ignition Source Prevention

• Hot work controlled in or near dust areas
  Verify that hot work is controlled by permit, isolation, and cleanup requirements when performed in or near combustible dust hazards.
• Electrical equipment free of dust buildup that could affect operation
  Inspect motors, panels, junction boxes, lighting, and controls for dust accumulation that could create overheating or ignition risk.
• Static electricity controls in place where needed
  Confirm bonding, grounding, or other static control measures are used where dust cleanup or transfer could generate static discharge.

Corrective Actions and Sign-Off

• Deficiencies documented with corrective actions
  List all deficiencies, non-conformances, and required corrective actions identified during the inspection.
• Responsible person assigned for follow-up
  Record the name or role responsible for corrective action tracking and closure.
• Inspector signature
  Inspector signs to confirm the audit findings are complete and accurate.