NFPA 660 Is Here

What’s Changed and How ProVent Is Leading the Way in Combustible Dust Compliance

The landscape of combustible dust safety has shifted with the release of NFPA 660: Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids (2025). This long-anticipated update consolidates multiple existing standards, including NFPA 484, into one unified document, offering a more comprehensive, streamlined approach to protecting facilities from dust-related fire and explosion hazards.

At ProVent, we’ve built our reputation on staying ahead of regulatory changes. With NFPA 660 now published, we’re already adapting our systems and consulting practices to meet and exceed this new benchmark. Here's what you need to know — and how we’re helping facilities stay safe, compliant, and future-ready.

What is NFPA 660?

NFPA 660 merges six legacy NFPA combustible dust standards:

• NFPA 484 (Combustible Metals)
• NFPA 61 (Agricultural and Food Processing)
• NFPA 652 (Fundamentals of Combustible Dust)
• NFPA 654 (Manufacturing and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids)
• NFPA 655 (Sulfur Fires and Explosions)
• NFPA 664 (Wood Processing and Woodworking)

The goal of NFPA 660 is to eliminate inconsistencies across industries, promote best practices, and ensure that facilities are managing combustible dust hazards effectively regardless of the material or environment.

What’s New in NFPA 660?

While many foundational concepts remain, NFPA 660 includes several important updates:

1. Expanded Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) Requirements
   • More detailed guidance on what constitutes a sufficient DHA
   • Stricter expectations for documentation, follow-up, and verification
   • Updated criteria for qualified personnel conducting the DHA
2. Operational Readiness Reviews
   • New requirement for evaluating explosion protection and housekeeping systems prior to startup or restart
   • Focus on risk evaluation during system changes or new installations
3. Improved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines
   • Clearer specifications for protective clothing and gear in combustible dust environments
   • Additional emphasis on employee training and PPE program enforcement
4. Enhanced Bonding and Grounding Standards
   • Refined requirements for preventing static accumulation in dust collection and handling systems
   • Updates align with technological improvements and current best practices
5. Updated Vacuum and Housekeeping Protocols
   • More stringent testing standards for vacuum equipment used in hazardous dust zones
   • Emphasis on scheduled, documented cleaning practices

ProVent’s Response: Built-In Compliance and Proven Performance

At ProVent, our engineering philosophy has always centered on safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. With NFPA 660 in effect, we are proactively enhancing our offerings to align with the new standard across the board.

System design aligned with NFPA 660

Our Intercept and Uni-Wash dust collectors are engineered to meet the performance and safety benchmarks now outlined in NFPA 660. From explosion isolation and pressure relief to self-contained wet collection for reactive metals, we design systems ready for high-risk environments.

Upgraded electrical and control standards

ProVent’s UL 508A-certified control panels already support safe startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures. We are updating documentation, programming, and testing to include the readiness review requirements outlined in NFPA 660.

Enhanced support for DHAs

We partner with experienced consultants to ensure customers can complete NFPA 660-compliant Dust Hazard Analyses with clarity and confidence. These partnerships help bridge the gap between engineering and operational compliance.

Operator training and maintenance

Our commitment doesn’t end at installation. We offer ongoing education, maintenance support, and detailed manuals to ensure your teams are equipped to manage combustible dust risks year-round.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

NFPA 660 is not just a consolidation of past standards; it is a redefinition of combustible dust safety for the modern facility. ProVent is proud to be among the first in our industry to incorporate these changes into our engineering, manufacturing, and support processes.

If your facility handles combustible dust, now is the time to review your systems, complete a current DHA, and ensure your dust collection equipment meets the latest requirements. We’re here to help you do it right.

Need Help Navigating NFPA 660?

Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or starting a new project, ProVent has the expertise, technology, and partnerships to guide you through every step of the compliance journey.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how our solutions meet the new NFPA 660 standard.