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    NFPA Standard Updates

    How the newest editions apply to our industry
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    Creating standards for fire prevention is what the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is tasked with as an organization. While the NFPA is not an enforcement organization and does not carry out these standards on their own, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) do reference the standards released by the NFPA in various regulations.

    Various responsibilities for compliance with these NFPA standards fall on both facilities and equipment manufacturers, so we at AZO wanted to help break down some of the takeaways in the newest editions of NFPA 660, NFPA 652, and NFPA 61 and how they apply to our industry sector. Although NFPA 652 and NFPA 61 are still valid and active, they have been superseded by NFPA 660. For new installations, code officials are likely to continue referencing NFPA 652 and the relevant industry-specific standards until NFPA 660 is formally adopted by fire and building codes.

    NFPA 660: The New Comprehensive Standard

    NFPA 660 is the newly consolidated standard that integrates several combustible dust standards, including NFPA 652 and NFPA 61. This standard aims to streamline requirements and eliminate inconsistencies across industry sectors.

    NFPA 660 applies to all facilities handling combustible dust and provides a unified approach to dust hazard analysis (DHA), risk assessment, and explosion protection.

    While NFPA 660 is now the primary combustible dust standard, NFPA 61 and NFPA 652 still provide valuable information for specific industries.

    500+

    combustible dust-related fires and explosions were reported by the Combustible Dust Policy Institute after analyzing 2011 data from the Department of Homeland Security's National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).

    Roughly 75%

    Of reported fires are in the NFIRS database, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Beyond that figure, many other fires go unreported.

    NFPA 652 applies to...

    NFPA 652 (now incorporated into NFPA 660) previously provided a general framework for managing combustible dust hazards across industries such as chemicals, food, grain, fertilizer, plastics, rubber, and pharmaceuticals.

    NFPA 61 applies to…

    NFPA 61 applies to commodity-specific agricultural dust and includes requirements for grain handling, feed production, and related processes.

    Every 3-5 years...

    NFPA standards are revised and updated every three to five years, with revision cycles beginning twice a year, reflecting advancements in fire safety and technology. NFPA 61 and 652 are currently in their 2020 and 2019 revised editions respectively. These documents will not be updated moving forward, as their revision cycles have been absorbed into the issuance of NFPA 660.

    Key Changes in NFPA 660

    NFPA 652 and several other combustible dust standards have been incorporated into NFPA 660 to provide a single-source reference.

    Requirements for Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) have been standardized across industries.

    Clearer definitions of combustible dust parameters to help industries determine compliance requirements.

    Deadlines referenced in previous standards have been removed in NFPA 660, as those dates have already passed.

    New specifications for explosion protection in small-volume air-material separators.

    Enhanced requirements for ignition source management in spray dryer systems, mixers, and blenders.

    Revised surface resistivity requirements for conveyor belts, lag belts, and lagging from 100 megohms to 300 megohms.

    Clarifications in the management of change section to specify required versus recommended actions.

    Expanded annex materials with updated DHA methodologies, including filtering efficiency of dust collectors and explosion venting alternatives for bins, silos, and tunnels.

    A more detailed and comprehensive DHA checklist replacing previous versions.

    What to keep in mind for your Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA):

    Sept. 7, 2020

    The deadline for existing facilities in accordance with NFPA 652 to complete DHAs for all their processes

    Jan. 1, 2022

    The deadline for other facilities in accordance with NFPA 61 to complete DHAs

    An efficient DHA…

    • Determines any potential causes of fires and consequences.
    • Identifies where fires and explosions can occur.
    • Evaluates the effectiveness of established and proposed safeguards.
    • Must be conducted by a qualified individual or a team with relevant expertise. 

    Every 5 years

    When DHAs must be reviewed and updated. (Records of progress should be kept every year with regards to previous DHAs in preparation.)

    OSHA citations...

    Failure to complete a proper DHA can result in OSHA citations, such as:

    • Lack of explosion isolation between equipment
    • Need for classified electrical systems and properly rated industrial trucks
    • Inadequate bonding or grounding of equipment
    • Recirculation of air from dust collectors back into the building

    Most OSHA citations related to combustible dust are tied to hazard communication deficiencies rather than equipment configuration. 

    Steps to perform a DHA:

    1.

    Collect information on the material you handle or process.

    2.

    List all equipment that handles the material and gather necessary safety specifications.

    3.

    Identify areas where fire, explosion hazards, or degradation could occur at each stage of manufacturing.

    4.

    Review each phase with a professional team and discuss potential fire/explosion scenarios.

    5.

    Evaluate safeguards and mitigation measures.

    6.

    Assess risk levels and document all findings to aid in hazard reduction.

    Where you can find more information:

    Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions
    Fundamentals of Combustible Dust