Dust hazard analysis (DHA) is used to identify fire and explosion hazards at facilities where combustible dusts and particulate solids are present. DHA is required by NFPA standards to protect facility personnel, the public, and the facilities. Consequently it is essential that individuals who lead DHA studies meet a standard for competence. Three increasing levels of competency are offered: Practitioner, Specialist and Expert.

This certification is intended for an individual who routinely acts as the team leader for DHA studies that are more complex. An Expert has a minimum of ten years of relevant experience and conducts studies frequently. This professional has advanced knowledge and abilities in DHA, for example, how to address human and psychological factors that affect DHA teams.

Primacert expects that a Certified DHA Expert using the designation CDE^® can demonstrate competency by meeting the following requirements:

• A degree from an accredited university or college in a relevant technical discipline. At a minimum, degree includes three years relevant, full-time tertiary education.

• A minimum of ten years of recent and relevant work experience.
• Relevant work experience must include facilitating a minimum of four DHA studies within the last year.

• Reports that contain the study worksheets from two separate and substantial DHA studies facilitated within the last year by the applicant must be submitted. The DHA procedure(s) and any associated guidelines used must also be submitted to facilitate review of the work products.
• Work products and procedures / guidelines must be submitted in English to facilitate review.

• In addition to the training required for the practitioner and specialist levels, successful completion within the last three years of a training course designed to teach participants leadership and facilitation skills, such as Primatech's Leadership and Facilitation Skills for PHA Team Leaders.

• Two references from supervisor / manager / peer who can attest to academic qualifications, work experience, professional ethics, and responsibility for work products. Additionally, two references from individuals who were members of a team for DHA studies facilitated by the applicant within the last year who can rate leadership skills.

• Successful completion of the Primacert examination for CDE^®.
• For a list of examination topics, see DHA Examination Topics.

• Certification is valid for three years.
• For recertification requirements, see Recertification Requirements for CDE^®.