Combustible Dust Risk Assessment and Training
A combustion risk assessment is a dust hazard analysis of your company’s exposure to combustible dust.
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.
Amendments to the B.C. regulations for Combustible Dusts will come into effect on January 4, 2027.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and codes are widely referenced as well in North America to protect against fire and explosion risks. All relevant standards are considered during a combustion risk assessment.
Who is this for?
WorkSafeBC has been actively inspecting facilities that typically generate combustible dust. The regulatory updates coming into effect in January 2027 broaden the definition of combustion risk and requirements for risk assessments.
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. Look here for an overview of combustible materials.
Schedule a free scoping to assess your risk
A combustible dust specialist will visit your facility to determine whether you have combustible dust risk. If needed, the advisor will provide a service proposal for a complete combustion risk assessment. The advisor may also recommend awareness training for employees or training for someone on your team in dust hazard analysis.
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, please fill out the following form. We will follow-up to schedule a visit.
Related Resources and Training
New amendments to the B.C. OHS Regulation for Combustible Dusts take effect January 4, 2027. Many materials are combustible, including grains, flour, sugar cornstarch, wood—and even metals. Learn more about combustible dust risk and combustion risk assessment services, resources, and training.
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.