Combustible Dust-producing Operations

This chapter establishes requirements for equipment, processes, and operations involving combustible dust explosion hazards, including precautions and enforcement standards.

1301 — General

1301.1 Scope. The equipment, processes and operations involving dust explosion hazards shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

1301.2 Permits. Permits shall be required for combustible dust-producing operations as set forth in Section 105.6.

1302 — Definitions

1302.1 Definition. The following word and term shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meaning shown herein.

COMBUSTIBLE DUST. Finely divided solid material which is 420 microns or less in diameter and which, when dispersed in air in the proper proportions, could be ignited by a flame, spark or other source of ignition. Combustible dust will pass through a U.S. No. 40 standard sieve.

1303 — Precautions

1303.1 Sources of ignition. Smoking or the use of heating or other devices employing an open flame, or the use of spark-producing equipment is prohibited in areas where combustible dustis generated, stored, manufactured, processed or handled.

1303.2 Housekeeping. Accumulation of combustible dust shall be kept to a minimum in the interior of buildings. Accumulated combustible dust shall be collected by vacuum cleaning or other means that will not place combustible dust into suspension in air. Forced air or similar methods shall not be used to remove dust from surfaces.

Worked example

Scenario: A designer is planning a facility that includes a grain processing area where fine combustible dust is consistently present in the air and on surfaces.

Explanation: To comply with §1303.1, the design must specify that no smoking, open flames, or spark-producing equipment is allowed within this grain processing area. This would include ensuring appropriate signage, prohibiting certain tools, and implementing a hot work permit system if any such operations are ever necessary, ensuring all precautions are taken.

1304 — Explosion Protection

1304.1 Standards. The fire code official is authorized to enforce applicable provisions of the codes and standards listed in Table 1304.1 to prevent and control dust explosions.

A table appears here in the adopted code. Refer to the official source for the full table.

Frequently asked questions

What types of operations are regulated by Chapter 13?

Chapter 13 regulates equipment, processes, and operations that present a dust explosion hazard.

What ignition sources are prohibited in areas with combustible dust?

Smoking, open flames from heating or other devices, and spark-producing equipment are prohibited where combustible dust is generated, stored, manufactured, processed, or handled.

Who is responsible for enforcing dust explosion prevention standards?

The fire code official is authorized to enforce applicable provisions of codes and standards related to preventing and controlling dust explosions.