Combustible dust, gases, and vapors produced in industrial settings can pose a significant safety hazard. NFPA 69, Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems, offers definitive guidance on explosion protection and prevention systems.
This document is applicable to woodworking, grain processing (including sugar), and machining facilities, where combustible dust can spark explosions. It also covers facilities in which flammable liquids are used or petrochemical processing takes place -- and explosions due to combustible gases or vapors are a concern.
Protected equipment includes pipes, ductwork, and dust collection systems.
Systems for explosion prevention, explosion isolation, oxidant concentration control, fuel concentration control, and ignition control are all designed in accordance with NFPA 69, which is also compatible with the terminology of NFPA 3, Recommended Practice for Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, and other standards.
Essential for system designers, safety officers, insurers, municipal and state inspectors, and other professionals, NFPA 69 provides valuable insight on:
Changes in the 2019 edition include:
Follow the field's best guidance for the prevention and control of deflagrations in the latest edition of NFPA 69.