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NFPA 654 Standard on Fire and Dust Explosion Prevention

Updated Apr 3, 2026
Addresses prevention of explosions in facilities processing or storing combustible dust.

NFPA 654 addresses facilities handling combustible dust including grain elevators, flour mills, chemical plants, and wood product mills. Combustible dust explosions occur in three conditions: combustible dust, oxygen, and ignition source. Prevention requires controlling any one of these three elements. Dust collection systems must be properly designed, maintained, and cleaned. Ignition sources including friction, static electricity, and hot surfaces must be controlled. Electrical equipment in areas with combustible dust must be rated for the hazard. Grounding and bonding prevents static electricity accumulation. Housekeeping controls dust accumulation on surfaces that could be resuspended. Training and safety procedures ensure workers understand the hazard.

TAGS
nfpaexplosion-preventioncombustible-dust
DETAILS
section
654
category
Fire Safety
code body
NFPA
code year
2020
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