Overview

• What: Combustible dusts
• Who: Workers and their employers who may encounter combustible dust that can potentially catch fire or explode
• Why: To gather feedback on the proposed amendments
• How: Click on “Share your feedback” to request more information or provide feedback. To register for the public hearing, see the Public Hearing page.
• Key topics: Combustible dusts, organic dust, carbon-based dust, plastic dust, airborne dust, wood and paper dust, metal dust, asphalt and concrete dust, fibre lint, textile dust

Summary

Many types of dust are combustible, which means they can catch fire and burn. When fine dust particles catch fire while floating in the air, known as deflagration, fire can spread quickly, sometimes leading to explosion.

Historically, combustible dust concerns were tied to wood dust following the two tragic sawmill explosions in 2012 that led to the deaths of four workers and injured 42 more. The proposed amendments seek to further clarify other types of dust may also be combustible (e.g., metals, chemicals, plastics). These changes will affect a wide range of workplaces (in addition to wood product manufacturers) such as bakeries and other food processing operations, metal foundries, and other workplaces that may have plastic, lint, or textile dusts.

To manage the risk posed by combustible dusts, WorkSafeBC is proposing amendments that will require employers to implement more robust measures to control and manage the accumulation of all types of combustible dusts in the workplace.

This will be the second public hearing on the proposed amendments. Following the May 2024 public hearing, we carefully reviewed feedback from stakeholders. This led to some additional changes to the proposed amendments. This includes, among other updates, explicitly requiring that a dust management program be prepared, and creating an exemption for employers whose dust poses low risk to workers.

How you can share your feedback

We want to hear your feedback on these additional changes to the proposed amendments. It is important to note that the public consultation phase is different from the public hearing process. If you previously shared your thoughts during the consultation phase, please submit them again, as well as any further feedback you may have on the proposed changes.

You can provide feedback either through written submissions or by participating at the virtual public hearing on September 24, 2025.

For details on how to submit written feedback or register for the public hearing, please see instructions on the Public Hearing page.

Written submissions will be accepted until September 26, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

How your contributions make a difference

Your feedback will help shape new regulations for managing combustible dusts at work. By sharing your thoughts, you will help ensure the new regulations are comprehensive and effective.

Learn more

To learn more about the proposed amendments, please review the detailed information package.