Combustible Dust
A combustible dust assessment examines your company’s exposure to combustible dust hazard(s).
Combustible dust is any fine material that, when mixed with air and in the right concentration, has the ability to catch fire and explode. Many materials are combustible, including grains, flour, sugar cornstarch, wood and metals. Even materials that do not burn in larger pieces (such as aluminum or iron), given the proper conditions, can ignite.
New changes to the B.C. regulations for combustible dust are now in public consultation. In addition, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and codes are widely referenced as well in North America to protect against fire and explosion risks. NFPA standards, along with provincial and federal regulations, are considered during a combustible dust hazard assessment.
Who is this for?
WorkSafeBC has been actively inspecting facilities that typically generate combustible dust. While most people associate combustible dust with the wood processing industry, food and beverage processors and manufacturers that produce or handle fine dusts may also be at risk.
Schedule a free scoping to assess your risk
In a scoping meeting. During this step, a combustible dust specialist advisor will visit your facility to determine whether you have combustible dust risk. If needed, the advisor will provide a service proposal for a complete dust hazard assessment. The advisor may also recommend awareness training for employees or training for someone on your team in dust hazard assessment.
Schedule a Scoping
FREE for Members
If you would like to have a Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC safety advisor visit your business to assess your risk level please fill out the following form. We will follow-up with you and schedule a date that works for you.
Related Resources and Training
Combustible dust is the byproduct of any material that has the ability to catch fire and explode. Many materials are combustible, including grains, flour, sugar cornstarch, wood—and even metals.
In this comprehensive, two-day course, learn to complete a Dust Hazard Analysis for your organization to meet the requirements of the NFPA standard and the updated B.C. Combustible Dust regulation. Register now for the next dates: October 8-9, 2025 at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, BC.
This online awareness course will provide participants with the key principles and concepts for recognizing the hazards, unsafe conditions and preventive actions associated with combustible dust. Accurately identifying, assessing, and controlling combustible dust is an essential part of an occupational health and safety (OHS) program. Employees, contractors, or managers/supervisors with combustible dust in their workplace will be better prepared to control combustible dust hazards, develop safe work procedures, and prevent incidents and injuries.
Dust found in manufacturing can be combustible. When fine dust particles catch fire in the air – the fire can spread quickly and even lead to an explosion. This online awareness course will provide you with the key principles and concepts for recognizing the hazards, unsafe conditions and preventive actions associated with combustible dust.