Combustible Dust Safety

What is combustible dust?

Combustible dust is finely divided solid particles that present a dust fire or dust explosion hazard when dispersed and ignited in air (NFPA 499). Combustible dust is more accurately referred to as deflagrable dust. Deflagrable dust is defined (in part) as wood particulate that will propagate a flame front when suspended in air regardless of particle size or shape (NFPA 664).

Areas in which flammable gases or vapours, combustible dusts or combustible fibres are present in quantities sufficient to create a hazard are referred to as hazardous locations by the British Columbia Fire Code. We are working with the forest and wood products industry to better understand the hazards presented by combustible dust and the best ways to manage them. Canadian electrical and gas codes contain specific requirements for equipment within hazardous locations due to the presence of combustible dust.