Hazardous materials

We research the performance and impact of hazardous materials to support NFPA’s codes and standards and the design and safe maintenance of facilities.

To learn about older reports, you can:

• see a list of reports, or search and download from the NFPA Library & Archives catalog;
• contact the library at +1 617 984-7445.

You can also browse NFPA workshop and symposium proceedings on this topic.

Latest report

Variables Impacting the Probability and Severity of Dust Explosions in Dust Collectors

The primary objective of this study was to identify the key variables leading to dust explosions in dust collectors through a literature review, and analysis of information collected from dust explosion incidents.

Download the report.

Chemicals

• Variables Associated with the Classification of Ammonium Nitrate - A Literature Review (2017)
• Separation Distances in NFPA Codes and Standards (2014)
• Assessing the List of Typical Oxidizers (2013)

Flammable and combustible liquids or solids

• Variables Impacting the Probability and Severity of Dust Explosions in Dust Collectors (2020)
• Evaluation of fire and explosion hazard of nanoparticles (2019)
• Influence of particle size and moisture content of wood particulates on deflagration hazard (2019)
• Combustible Dust Flame Propagation and Quenching in Pipes and Ducts (2018)
• Evaluation of the Fire Hazard of ASHRAE Case A3 Refigerants in Commercial Refrigeration Applications (2017)
• Evaluation of LPG Pool Fire Heat Flux - A  Literature Review (2017)
• High Hazard Flammable Trains (HHFT) On-Scene Incident Commander Field Guide (2016)
• Liquid Petroleum Pipeline Emergencies On-Scene Incident Commander Field Guide (2016)
• Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility Fire Code Gap Analysis (2015)
• Quantifying Heavy Snowfall in NFPA 58 (2014)

Gases

• Light Gas (Hydrogen) Dispersion Screening Tool (2022) 
• Safe Quantity of Open Medical Gas Storage in Healthcare Facility Smoke Compartments (2020)
• Vapor Mitigation Testing Using Fixed Water Spray System (2019)
• Natural Gas and Propane Fires, Explosions and Leaks Estimates and Incident Descriptions (2018)
• Estimation of Fireball Dimensions from NFPA 68 (2018)
• LNG Model Evaluation Protocol and Validation Database Update (2016)
• Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility Fire Code Gap Analysis (2015)
• Hydrogen Refueling Code Gap Assessment (2013)

Intermediate Bulk Containers

• The Fire Risk of Intermediate Bulk Containers
• Reduce the risk of IBCs

Batteries

• Fire Hazard Assessment of Lead-Acid Batteries (2020)
• Hazard Assessment of Lithium Ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (2016)
• Lithium Ion Batteries Hazard and Use Assessment - Phase III (2016) 

Other hazards

• Literature Review on Spaceport Fire Safety (2018)
• Oven, Furnace and Dryer Explosion Incidents (2016)