Combustible Dust-producing Operations

This chapter establishes requirements for equipment, processes, and operations that involve combustible dust explosion hazards.

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 furniture manufacturing plant utilizes woodworking machinery that produces a significant amount of fine sawdust, which is a combustible dust, in several workshop areas.

Explanation: In these workshop areas where sawdust is generated, stored, or processed, the use of open-flame devices like torches for repairs, portable space heaters with exposed heating elements, or even smoking by employees would be strictly prohibited to prevent ignition of the dust.

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 operations are covered by the Combustible Dust chapter?

This chapter applies to equipment, processes, and operations that involve dust explosion hazards.

Are there restrictions on ignition sources in areas with combustible dust?

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

Who enforces standards for dust explosion prevention?

The fire code official is authorized to enforce the applicable codes and standards listed in Table 1304.1 for preventing and controlling dust explosions.