---
title: Risk analysis for combustible dust
date: 2021-04-18T16:05:00-04:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/projects/risk-analysis-for-combustible-dust"
section: Projects
---
Norbord is an international manufacturer of wood-based panels. The company wanted to ensure that it met NFPA-652 2016 standards for risk analysis and management of combustible and explosive dusts. BBA was mandated to perform audits at 11 Norbord plants in Canada and the United States to assess explosion and deflagration risks, and to propose solutions and safeguards against these risks.

 

- Region International
- Client  Norbord
 
 

 

 

   1. ## Our experts' solutions
    
    BBA experts performed an extensive risk analysis of combustible dusts using cutting-edge methods and technologies. As part of an exhaustive plan including a technical and regulatory review, mitigation measures and an investment cost analysis, the team provided the client with a clear understanding of the risks that had to be addressed and possible solutions to ensure employee safety and their company’s sustainability.
    
    The BBA team performed a risk analysis of combustible dust (NFPA-652 2016 standard), a design review of deflagration venting (NFPA-68 2013 standard) and a review of client programs and procedures.
    
    
    - Supported dust samplin
    - Provided detailed design based on PBD performance
    - Validated regulatory equipment compliance
    - Optimized explosion safeguards
    - Implemented mitigation measures and concentration control strategies
    - Provided power system grounding and bonding
    - Established limited and restricted access
    - Installed detection and redirection devices
    - Introduced flameless discharge systems
    - Performed optimization study of the electrical classification
 
        

  

  

 

 1. > Our method and personalized approach provided the client with optimized solutions to reduce project costs. Our turnkey action plan provided the company with a plan to prioritize solutions and continually improve worker safety.
    
     Francis Casavant, Engineer and Project Leader
 
   - [  11 Nov 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Maximizing the value of mining data, from smart sensing to operational intelligence 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Marie Eve Desrochers2](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/219093/Marie-Eve-Desrochers2.webp)   
        
         Marie-Eve Desrochers
        
        Senior analyst, Process control and operational technologies
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/maximizing-the-value-of-mining-data-from-smart-sensing-to-operational-intelligence "Maximizing the value of mining data, from smart sensing to operational intelligence")
- [  10 Nov 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Permits as drivers of design and investment decisions 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Mike bartlett](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212262/mike-bartlett.webp)
    - ![Yves Thomassin](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/219195/Yves-Thomassin.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/permits-as-drivers-of-design-and-investment-decisions "Permits as drivers of design and investment decisions")
- [  09 Nov 2026 
    
     Naomi Price appointed Global Sales Director, Strategic Advisory 
    
     
    
     
    
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/news/naomi-price-appointed-global-sales-director-strategic-advisory "Naomi Price appointed Global Sales Director, Strategic Advisory")
- [  30 Oct 2026 
    
     Two BBA projects honoured at the ACEC National Awards gala 
    
     
    
     
    
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/news/two-bba-projects-honoured-at-the-acec-national-awards-gala "Two BBA projects honoured at the ACEC National Awards gala")
 
 

       

 

 

   

 Let’s see what  
we can do  
together [ Contact us    

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) 

 

   

 1. ## Our experts' solutions
    
    BBA experts performed an extensive risk analysis of combustible dusts using cutting-edge methods and technologies. As part of an exhaustive plan including a technical and regulatory review, mitigation measures and an investment cost analysis, the team provided the client with a clear understanding of the risks that had to be addressed and possible solutions to ensure employee safety and their company’s sustainability.
    
    The BBA team performed a risk analysis of combustible dust (NFPA-652 2016 standard), a design review of deflagration venting (NFPA-68 2013 standard) and a review of client programs and procedures.
    
    
    - Supported dust samplin
    - Provided detailed design based on PBD performance
    - Validated regulatory equipment compliance
    - Optimized explosion safeguards
    - Implemented mitigation measures and concentration control strategies
    - Provided power system grounding and bonding
    - Established limited and restricted access
    - Installed detection and redirection devices
    - Introduced flameless discharge systems
    - Performed optimization study of the electrical classification
