The Southwest’s
Dust & Fume Authority
OSHA 1910.1000 • NFPA 660 compliant
Quick-Ship options • Full central systems in 8–10 weeks
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CFM of Hazardous Air Captured Daily
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Combustible Dust Fines for Our Clients
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Average Emergency Response
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NFPA 660 Ready Systems
What Will Your Dust Collection System Cost?
Answer a few questions and get an honest price range — the same numbers we’d share over a cup of coffee.
What are realistic price ranges for dust collection systems?
Shop owners across the Southwest ask us this every week — here’s what facilities are paying for turn-key systems (equipment + install) as of early 2026.
Smaller Shops
$8,000 – $50,000
1-6 portable extractors or downdraft tables. Plug in and go — covers main stations.
Small-Medium Shops
$60,000 – $125,000
Basic central cartridge collector with ducting to 4-8 points.
Medium Shops
$125,000 – $250,000
Central baghouse or cartridge collector with ducting. Includes some explosion protection.
Large/High-Volume Shops
$300,000 – $500,000+
Large central cartridge collectors, extensive ductwork, full explosion safeguards.
We always give fixed quotes after the free audit — exact number for your shop.
How do I make sure my dust collection system will pass an OSHA inspection?
That’s the question we hear most from shop owners across the Southwest — and it’s smart to think about it before an inspector shows up.
OSHA doesn’t have one single “dust collection” standard, but they enforce several that add up to a passing system. Your goal: keep dust levels low enough that workers aren’t overexposed, and prevent buildup that could feed a fire or explosion.
📋 NFPA 660 Compliance Checklist →
🛡️ Explosion Protection Assessments →
Common OSHA Citations We See
- Housekeeping — dust layers thicker than 1/32 inch over too much area
- No explosion protection on combustible dust systems
- Workers exposed above PELs without controls
- No documentation of hazards or training
OSHA Inspection Prep Checklist
- Self-audit dust layers
- Test air quality
- Train your team on procedures
- Document everything
- Fix gaps early
Explosion Protection Options
- Venting — releases pressure outside (cheapest)
- Flameless venting — safe indoors
- Chemical suppression — stops explosion early
- Isolation — prevents spread through ducts
Capture Velocity Basics (Transport in Ducts)
| Dust Type | Recommended Velocity (FPM) |
|---|---|
| Fine/light dust | 3,500 |
| Sawdust | 4,500 |
| Heavy (metal turnings) | 5,000 |
| Weld smoke | 2,500 |
Housekeeping Schedule Example
| Area | How Often | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Floors around machines | Daily | Housekeeping Port |
| Beams/ledges | Monthly | Extendable wand |
| Ducts inside | Yearly | Professional clean |
Shops turn “likely citation” setups into passing ones with simple changes. A free assessment shows exactly where yours stands — no pressure, just facts.
What do I need to know about NFPA 660 for 2026?
Now that NFPA 660 is enforceable as of January 1, 2026, it’s no longer a future problem. Here’s the plain-English explanation.
Key Changes in NFPA 660
- Consolidated standard — one code instead of many
- Dust hazard analysis (DHA) mandatory for combustible dust
- Clear deflagration protection rules based on Kst
- Specific housekeeping schedules required
- Better isolation guidance
Common Dust Kst Values
| Dust Type | Kst Range | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | 100–200 | Weak |
| Aluminum | 400+ | Very Strong |
| Flour | 200–300 | Strong |
Protection Options
- Venting
- Flameless venting
- Chemical suppression
- Isolation
If your current system was designed to the old standards, you’re probably close. But many shops we visit still have gaps — and if your dust hazard analysis (DHA) turns up problems, we have a step-by-step plan.
The free assessment includes a full NFPA 660 review — you’ll know exactly what you need (or don’t need) before spending a dollar.
How does the whole process work from assessment to installed system?
Here’s exactly how it goes, step by step — no surprises.
Step 1: Free On-Site Assessment
We come to your shop with calibrated meters and take air samples. We measure capture velocities at each station, check dust accumulation, test for combustible dust if needed, and review your layout. Takes 1-2 hours.
Step 2: Fixed-Price Proposal
Within 5 business days you get a complete proposal with drawings, equipment specs, installation timeline, and exact cost. No surprises.
Step 3: Design Approval & Permitting
We handle all permit drawings and fire marshal coordination. You just review and sign.
Step 4: Fabrication & Delivery
Equipment built to your specs. Quick-ship portables arrive in a week. Central systems ready in 8-10 weeks.
Step 5: Installation
Our crews handle rigging, structural supports, ductwork fabrication, and startup. Minimal downtime — we work weekends if needed.
Step 6: Commissioning & Testing
We test differential pressures, verify explosion venting, and run independent lab air samples. You get the passing report in hand.
Step 7: Training & Maintenance
We train your team on daily checks and pulse cleaning. Optional maintenance plans keep everything running strong.
The whole process is designed to fit around your production schedule. Most shops are fully operational during install. Have questions about any step? That’s what the free assessment is for.
5 Signs Your Dust Collector is Failing (Before OSHA Shows Up)
Your dust collector may be dying. Here’s how to know before it becomes a bigger problem:
1. Visible dust settling on equipment
Filters are loaded and airflow is dropping — dust isn’t getting captured like it should.
2. Team complaining more about the air
Headaches, coughing, stuffy shop — exposure is creeping up, and it can become a retention problem fast.
3. Pressure gauge reading higher than normal
Filters clogged, system working overtime — the motor wears out quicker and efficiency drops.
4. Dust building up inside the ductwork
A significant fire and explosion risk — combustible dust accumulates in ducts quietly.
5. System runs all day but the shop still feels dusty
Often means it’s undersized for your current production volume, or the filters are past their service life.
If any of these sound familiar, a quick check tells you a lot. Catching them early avoids the bigger headache down the road.
Want to Dig Deeper?
Real answers about dust collection — costs, compliance, and what other companies won’t tell you.
Have questions about your shop’s dust collection?
Free site assessment — zero obligation — we’ll give you straight answers and exact numbers.