Code & Standards

Each explosion protection technology is covered by one or more international standards. From a quality perspective, BS&B technology is manufactured under the control of a quality system registered under ISO 9001.

Technical Standards in the United States:
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The technical standards for BS&B technology are developed and published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA 68 - 2018 covers Deflagration Venting while NFPA 69 - 2023 covers all other Explosion Prevention Systems. For guidance, NFPA 652: 2024  revision is recommended; Standard on the fundamentals of combustible dust.

Other NFPA Standards for dust explosion hazards include:

• NFPA 61 Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities
• NFPA 484 Standard for Combustible Metals
• NFPA 654 Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids
• NFPA 664 Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities
• NFPA 655 Standard for Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions

These standards, along with NFPA 652 are in the process of being consolidated by NFPA into a single document, NFPA 660, which will be issued at a later date.

OSHA Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program
The United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a national regulatory standard for combustible dust hazards” in the United States. The “Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program” (NEP); document CPL 03-00-006 by the Directorate of Enforcement Programs describes their policies and procedures regarding inspection of facilities that hand combustible dust as well as their expectations regarding owner/operator compliance with US Safety Standards. The scope is “OSHA-wide” and will be administered by national, regional and area offices. Download PDF Here

Technical Standards in Europe:
ATEX directive and related harmonized standards apply.
Certain safety equipment is approved under technical standards written by and managed by FM Global.

The table below is provided as a summary. Codes and Standards are continuously changing. Please check with BS&B for the latest information.

	ISO 9001	NFPA 654	OSHA Directive	NFPA 68	NFPA 69	ATEX
Explosion Vents	*	*	*	*		*
Explosion Suppression	*	*	*		*	*
Chemical Isolation	*	*	*		*	*
Mechanical Isolation	*	*	*		*	*
Flameless Venting	*	*	*	*		*
Building Vents	*			*
Spark Detection & Extinguishing strong>	*					*