Featuring: Jana and Mark from Osprey, SonicAire’s trusted European partners in engineered dust control.

The Big Idea:

Fans don’t always create dust clouds.

SonicAire fan systems prevent them.

In this international episode of the OnAire Podcast, we sit down with our partners from Osprey, based in France, to explore a powerful truth: combustible dust control is misunderstood by regulators, insurers, and even safety professionals on both sides of the Atlantic.

Who Should Watch This Episode:

Fire marshals and local AHJs

Safety officers, plant managers, and EHS leaders

Insurance auditors and risk assessors

Professionals in grain, feed, wood, tobacco, paper, recycling, and other high-risk industries

What You’ll Learn:

1. US vs. Europe: Two Compliance Worlds, One Shared Challenge

In the US, OSHA and NFPA (especially NFPA 652) guide combustible dust standards. In Europe, ATEX regulations govern explosive environments, but insurance companies often enforce standards more aggressively than local authorities. Across both regions, misunderstandings about fan-based dust control are common—and costly.

2. The Myth: Fans Stir Up Dust and Make Things Worse

Some AHJs and insurers assume that fans increase fire and explosion risk by stirring up dust. In reality, SonicAire fans prevent dust accumulation in overhead and hard-to-clean areas by maintaining continuous airflow barriers. The result: no build-up, no dust clouds, no shutdowns.

3. The Reality: Fans Reduce Risk, Improve Compliance, and Restore Coverage

Osprey shares how European customers—especially in wood and paper industries—have been able to: Avoid insurance cancellations Reduce costly manual cleanings Achieve ongoing OSHA and ATEX compliance Prevent secondary explosion hazards with cleaner overheads

4. What Happens When Insurers or Fire Marshals Say “No” to Fans

This episode walks through real scenarios where inspectors shut systems down—only to reverse their decisions after being educated on how SonicAire fans work. With the right documentation, the conversation shifts from “this looks risky” to “this solves our problem.”

5. What Documentation is Available for Regulators and Insurers?

SonicAire provides:

Fan compliance letters

Documentation that aligns with NFPA 662, Class II Div 1 and Div 2 ratings, and ATEX 22 certification

Reference sites and real-world case studies to support approvals

Why This Episode Matters

If you're a regulatory official, insurance decision-maker, or plant safety leader, and you’ve ever questioned the role of fans in a combustible dust environment, this conversation is essential. The idea that “fans cause dust clouds - not control them” is a myth. And in today’s risk-averse world, myths can lead to missed opportunities, higher costs, and increased hazards.

Watch This Podcast to Learn:

Who thinks their compliance guidelines are tougher, the US or Europe?

How insurance companies in Europe now recommend SonicAire systems.

What makes NFPA/OSHA and ATEX perspectives similar—and different.

Why prevention always beats reaction when it comes to dust compliance.

How Osprey and SonicAire partner to help facilities educate regulators, retain insurance, and protect people

🎧 Listen now: sonicaire.com/on-aire-podcast 📩

Need help talking to an AHJ or insurer? Contact our compliance team.

This isn’t just another safety podcast. It’s a direct conversation with the people who’ve seen the misconceptions—and fixed them.

Can universities help prevent industrial explosions?

In this episode of the OnAire Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan McPherson, an industry educator and dust safety expert from Kansas State University’s Powder & Bulk Solids Lab, to talk about real-world challenges in dust collection, fugitive dust, and how education is bridging the gap between theory and plant-floor reality.

🔎 Whether you're a safety manager, plant engineer, or facilities director, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. We cover:

✅ What’s really happening with bulk solids and dust in today’s facilities

✅ Why even the best dust collection systems can’t do it all

✅ The role of Dynamic Particle Control in proactive housekeeping

✅ How SonicAire’s technology is transforming dust safety compliance

✅ The future of smart manufacturing & air quality monitoring

✅ Personal stories from the plant floor—and the farm!

📌 Key Takeaways:

Fugitive dust is everyone’s problem – even in your garage.

Education is catching up with what industry truly needs.

Proactive dust control saves money, time, and lives.

SonicAire fans help prevent fires, reduce labor, and improve air quality.

🧠 Why it Matters: You want a safer, cleaner, more efficient facility. But fugitive dust puts that at risk every day. In this episode, Jonathan shares how industry leaders and educators are partnering to create real solutions that work—today and tomorrow. You can be the hero of your facility's dust control story.

🔥 Want to Learn More?

Visit https://www.sonicaire.com to see how our engineered dust control fans can:

Eliminate overhead dust

Reduce cleaning costs

Improve OSHA and NFPA compliance

Make your plant safer and healthier

🎧 Listen. Learn. Lead. Subscribe to the OnAire Podcast for more industry conversations that matter.

In this episode of the OnAire Podcast, we’re joined by Diane Cave, a powerhouse in the combustible dust world with 20+ years of experience helping facilities uncover and address hidden hazards.

If you're a plant manager, engineer, or EH&S leader, this episode is your no-fluff, real-world guide to doing Dust Hazard Analyses (DHAs) right—and what happens when you don’t.

TL;DR: A vague Dust Hazard Analysis isn’t harmless—it’s dangerous. In this episode, Diane Cave explains how language, leadership, and liability intersect in combustible dust safety. You’ll leave with tools to ask better questions, write stronger reports, and create a culture where safety isn’t a checkbox—it’s a commitment.

🎙️ What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why DHAs fail (and how to make yours actionable)

✅ The danger of “soft language” in safety reporting

✅ How insurers and regulators are driving DHA enforcement

✅ The right way to think about compressed air and blowdowns

✅ How safety culture shows up in the dust (literally)

✅ When your cleaning plan is actually failing

✅ Why clarity in a DHA isn’t just kind—it's critical

Diane also shares her infamous “dust lottery” analogy—and why some facilities are unknowingly buying tickets.

"Every time you say 'should consider,' you're giving someone permission to ignore a hazard." – Diane Cave

🙋‍♂️ Who This Is For: This episode is made for manufacturing professionals who are:

🧠 Overwhelmed by combustible dust compliance

📋 Unsure what a DHA actually needs to say

🔎 Tired of vague language and unclear next steps

💬 Ready to improve internal safety communication

📉 Trying to reduce risk, downtime, and insurance headaches

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a DHA (Dust Hazard Analysis) and do I need one?

DHA is a formal, systematic review of your facility's combustible dust risks and safety practices. If your process generates dust, you likely need one to comply with NFPA 652 and NFPA 660.

Q: Who enforces DHAs?

While OSHA and AHJs may spot-check, insurance providers and corporate risk departments are often the driving force behind DHA requirements.

Q: What’s the risk of not doing a DHA?

Beyond non-compliance, you risk property damage, production loss, employee injury, or worse. Inaction = liability.

Q: How do I know if my DHA is any good?

If it’s filled with “may,” “might,” or “should consider” language—it's not directing action. A solid DHA gives clear, prioritized, and enforceable recommendations.

Q: Can I write my own DHA?

It’s not recommended. Third-party experts, like Diane’s team at Element 6, bring technical insight, field experience, and unbiased clarity.

🔗 Resources & Contact:

Learn more about Diane Cave and Element 6:   / diane-cave-p-eng-616b405  

Explore SonicAire’s engineered dust control systems: https://www.sonicaire.com

👍 Like this episode?

Hit like, subscribe, and share with your team.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when a customer becomes part of your product development team?

Meet Tommy Cocanougher, a 30-year veteran with Cintas and one of SonicAire’s longest “non-employee employees.” From dreaded Saturday lint blowdowns to helping co-develop the SonicAire portable fan, Tommy’s story is proof that innovation starts with listening to the people on the frontlines.

In this episode of the OnAire Podcast, Tommy shares:

How lint cleanings were a constant safety risk for laundry plants

Why Cintas partnered with SonicAire to engineer a better solution

The inside story of developing the Mobile/MobileFlex fan used across the industry today

Why culture and safety must go hand in hand in every facility

If you’ve ever wondered how SonicAire fans became the standard for dust control in laundry facilities, this is the episode to watch.

✅ Learn more about SonicAire Dust Control Fans: https://www.sonicaire.com

✅ Request your Free Engineering Assessment: https://www.sonicaire.com/contact

✅ Subscribe to the OnAire Podcast for more behind-the-scenes industry stories

Dust is done.™ Together, SonicAire and leaders like Cintas are reshaping safety, efficiency, and compliance in dust-heavy industries.

🎙️ Back Where It All Began: Trade Shows, Tragedy, and Turning Points | OnAire Podcast

In this episode of the OnAire Podcast, hosts Jordan and Taylor take you behind the scenes of SonicAire’s recent return to The Clean Show in Orlando—one of the laundry industry’s premier events. From early memories at the booth in 2009 to partnering with major brands like Cintas, it’s a nostalgic look at how far SonicAire has come.

But this episode isn’t just about looking back.

We also discuss a tragic combustible dust explosion in Nebraska that claimed three lives—including two young girls—and what the industry must learn from it. As safety leaders, we reflect on the heartbreaking reality that these events are preventable with the right systems and leadership mindset in place.

Plus, hear about:

✅ Why trade shows like The Clean Show are more than just marketing

✅ The power of relationships in product design

✅ Our work with Kansas State University to train the next generation of dust control experts

✅ How your facility’s culture is shaped by your safety investments

✅ A sneak peek at upcoming episodes and industry insights

This episode is packed with real talk, real stories, and real purpose. If you're passionate about creating safer, healthier, and more efficient workplaces, this one’s for you.

🧡 Let’s work together to make sure no more lives are lost to preventable dust incidents.

📌 Links & Resources:

👉 Learn more about SonicAire’s Dust Control Fans: https://www.sonicaire.com

👉 Want to attend the Fundamentals of Dust Collection class? Check out Kansas State’s Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center. https://olathe.k-state.edu/research/advanced-manufacturing-bulk-solids-technology-center/

👉 Need help with your facility? Talk to a SonicAire Dust Control Specialist today. https://www.sonicaire.com/parts-and-service-2/

🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode to help spread awareness about combustible dust hazards and how to stop them before they start.

🎧 OnAire Episode 7 | Real-World Lessons in Safety Culture and Change

How do you turn safety from a checklist into a shared mindset?

He did not force compliance. He built relationships first. From working the production floor to riding along with delivery drivers, this safety leader focused on trust and understanding before introducing change. His approach proves that real progress in safety comes from listening and aligning, not just checking boxes.

If you are a safety professional, plant leader, or operations manager trying to create lasting change, this episode gives you the real playbook.

💬 What you will learn:

✅ Why safety initiatives often fail and how to gain real buy-in

🧠 Quote to remember:

"If we are going to do something for safety, it has to help quality, efficiency, or the work environment too."

This episode is not about selling a product. It is about what it takes to lead meaningful change inside a busy, high-demand facility. You will walk away with insights that apply in any industry and any organization.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources at sonicaire.com/podcast

Are you a plant manager dealing with combustible dust?

In this episode of the SonicAire OnAire podcast, Jordan and Taylor break down the Top 4 Dust Control Essentials you need to know to keep your facility safe, compliant, and productive.

They’ll cover:

✅ How to spot and manage fugitive dust

✅ What your dust collector is (and isn’t) doing for you

✅ Why documentation like DHAs and housekeeping plans matter

✅ What NFPA 660 means for your plant and how to tackle it with confidence

You’ll also hear some fun behind-the-scenes stories about growing up in Reidsville, NC, because every expert has a hometown, and every safety plan has a starting point.

👉 Whether you're just getting started or need a gut check on your current strategy, this episode will give you real, actionable advice straight from the dust control experts.

🔗 Learn more at https://www.sonicaire.com

📞 Ready for help? Contact us to start your engineered dust control plan.

Like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your biggest dust control challenge—we’d love to help!

This one’s more than a podcast—it’s a story of how a mission trip, a tragic accident, and a plane ride over the Gulf of Mexico led to a better way to serve our customers.

In this episode of the OnAire Podcast, we sit down with Rob Nelson, Director of Services at SonicAire, and unpack the wild, winding journey that shaped how we show up for our customers today.

You’ll laugh (think gator metaphors and old church photos), you’ll get inspired (real talk on change management), and you’ll learn:

Why great service means more than fixing what’s broken

How proactive maintenance helps customers avoid costly surprises

Why your dust problem should never be your problem

And yes, what SonicAire’s chatbot is named (hint: it's very on brand)

👀 BONUS: Watch the full video to see the 20-year-old photos from Rob and Jordan’s mission trip to Mexico that sparked a lifelong connection—and an entirely new approach to customer care.

➡️ Want to work with a team that actually gets what you’re dealing with?

Head to https://www.sonicaire.com and let’s solve your dust challenge—for good.

Grain dust explosion caught on camera. Five injuries. No fatalities. But what if the next one is worse?

In this episode of OnAire, Jordan and Taylor break down a recent explosion at a grain facility in Sunray, Texas and discuss what really causes these events and why the secondary explosion is often the most devastating part.

You’ll also hear:

✅ What the new NFPA 660 standard means for dust safety

✅ How one moment of dust buildup can trigger disaster

✅ A surprising student-led dust explosion experiment using coffee creamer

✅ Real talk on tariffs, pricing pressure, and how SonicAire is staying committed to customer safety

✅ What it’s like to be on the NFPA Combustible Dust Technical Committee

If you work in grain, ag, food, or any industry dealing with combustible dust, this episode is a must-watch.

Dust is no joke. Seconds matter. And standards are changing.

Stay with us to the end for a big-picture look at where the dust safety world is going next—and how you can stay ahead of it.

Welcome back to the OnAire Podcast, where we dig into all things fugitive dust – that fine, floating troublemaker that sneaks away from your process and creates big risks in hard-to-reach places. In this episode, we’re joined by Jerry Peters, a 30-year safety veteran and former recycling industry pro, who shares real-world insight into the challenges of combustible dust – and how he tackled them with SonicAire Dust Control Fans.

👷‍♂️ Jerry spent over two decades in glass recycling and MRFs (Material Recovery Facilities), dealing with the constant dust that builds up in overhead spaces, causes safety concerns, and adds costly labor. From OSHA inspections to game-changing installations, Jerry walks us through the before-and-after of bringing SonicAire fans into his plant—and how it slashed cleaning time, improved air quality, and helped them stay compliant.

🔥 Topics We Cover:

What really happens when OSHA shows up for a combustible dust inspection

The true cost of manual overhead cleaning

Why SonicAire fans don’t just blow dust around—they stop it from building up

A hilarious (and true) story about dust so thick, you couldn’t see 5 feet ahead

The science behind Dynamic Particle Control (DPC)

Can greasy pizza boxes be recycled? (Spoiler: YES!) 🍕

Plus, we find out what it’s like reffing arena football and working side-by-side with the real gatekeeper of knowledge—Jerry’s wife.

🔧 Learn how SonicAire’s BarrierAire™ Technology proactively keeps dust out of the air and off your overhead surfaces: https://www.sonicaire.com