The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has rolled out the latest version of NFPA 484 Standard for Combustible Metals this year. Addressing facilities and industries that generate and handle combustible metal dusts and powders, this newest version of NFPA 484 comes with a substantial number of changes.
Metal dusts from industrial applications pose unique challenges when compared to other combustibles. Metals such as aluminum, titanium and zirconium burn at very high temperatures, sometimes as extreme as 4700 degrees Celsius (8500 degrees Fahrenheit) and are very hard to extinguish. When in contact with water, they can disassociate hydrogen and oxygen, increasing fire and explosion hazards. In fine particle form, these metal dusts also burn very quickly. Because of their high density, even small accumulations on surfaces present a secondary explosion hazard.
NFPA 484 provides the necessary guidelines for the safe handling of these combustible metal dusts. With strict adherence to these guidelines, companies can protect their workers and facility from catastrophic harm.
Many of the changes to NFPA 484 were made so that it aligns more with NFPA 652 Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust. Chapter 7, for example, on Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) conforms with the DHA requirement in NFPA 652.
NFPA 484, 2019 also addresses new and emerging technologies. Chapter 12 focuses on the handling of nanometals, very fine metallic particles smaller than 500 nanometers. Chapter 13 deals with additive manufacturing. Industries involved with these particular applications can find the guidelines they need for their unique situation.
Other highlights of NFPA 484, 2019 include:
Downdraft benches and environmental control booths with an integral filter media in wall are now permitted provided that:
For a complete list of updates, visit the NFPA website to download your copy of NFPA 484, 2019 edition.
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