Understanding NFPA 660: A New Era in Combustible Dust Safety

NFPA 660 provides essential guidelines for preventing and mitigating dust explosions in industrial facilities, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Introduction

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will soon be introducing NFPA 660, a new standard that aims to better organize and simplify combustible dust safety for manufacturers. This new standard consolidates multiple existing guidelines into a single, comprehensive document, making it easier for industries to understand, manage and mitigate dust-related hazards.

Key Changes and Improvements

1. Unified Standards: NFPA 660 merges the industry and material specific guidelines from NFPA 61 (agriculture), 484 (metals), 652 (general dust), 654 (solids), 655 (sulfur), and 664 (woodworking). This consolidation eliminates redundancy and conflicting information, streamlining compliance and enhancing safety protocols.

    

2. Consistent Terminology and Definitions: By standardizing the language and definitions used across various industries, NFPA 660 clarifies safety requirements and improves overall understanding. This consistency is crucial for effective hazard management.

3. Improved Layout: The new standard is organized into general requirements and industry-specific chapters. This structure makes it easier to navigate and apply the relevant guidelines, ensuring that all sectors can effectively implement the necessary safety measures.

4. Enhanced Safety Measures: NFPA 660 includes updated safety practices and measures designed to reduce the risk of fires and explosions caused by combustible dust. These enhancements reflect the latest industry best practices and technological advancements.

* Note that standards NFPA 68 (deflagration venting) and NFPA 69 (explosion prevention systems) are not included within the updated framework.

Conclusion

NFPA 660 represents a significant advancement in combustible dust safety, providing a cohesive and effective framework for protecting facilities and personnel. By adopting this new standard, industries can better manage dust-related hazards and ensure a safer working environment.

For more information on NFPA 660 and combustible dust safety within your operations, contact Nederman today. For over 80 years, our clean air and combustible dust experts are here to help you navigate these changes and implement the best safety practices for your facility.