The 2024 edition includes the following changes:
1) Revisions to the entire recommended practice for readability and consistency, and the addition of clarifications for users not familiar with static electric control
2) Addition of US units throughout the document and revision of Greek symbol nomenclature
3) Correlation of the definitions for the terms grounded (grounding) and grounding electrode connector with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, and addition of a definition for the term verified ground point
4) Addition of liquid classes definitions from NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, and clarification of the ignitible liquid nomenclature to correlate with NFPA 30
5) Revisions to Chapter 7, Control of Static Electricity and Its Hazards by Process Modification and Grounding including the following:
- Reorganizing the chapter such that the static electric control practices are placed in the order of how they are approached in industry
- Establishing the difference between a grounding conductor, a bonding conductor, and an active bond monitoring system
- Providing guidance on resistance measurements for bonding connections and total resistance to ground
- Recommending separate ground systems for electrostatic systems and not connecting electrostatic grounds to either electrical grounds or lightning protection systems
6) Addition of a recommendation that combustible liquids (Class II or Class III liquids, as designated by NFPA 30) heated at or above their flashpoints be handled as flammable liquids (Class I liquids, as designated by NFPA 30)
7) Revision of the streaming current axis in Figure 10.7.1(a) to correlate with new data
8) Provision of a reference to data on safe fill rates for tanks and containers
9) Description of electrostatic ignition risks when handling nonconductive vessels with ignitible and nonignitible liquids
10) Reorganization of Chapters 13, Static Electric Hazards of Process Vessels and Tanks into a single chapter because Chapter 14 was viewed as a continuation of recommendations for process vessels
11) Provision of references on powder charge relaxation time measurements
12) Clarification as to why bonding a hose helix wire might not be sufficient on its own to provide static electricity protection (i.e., the primary purpose of the helix wire is to provide structural strength) and recommended use of conductive or static-dissipative hoses instead
13) Expansion of the description of risks from introducing solids into vessels
14) Elaboration on the risks of inducing electrostatic charges at intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) with fully open tops
15) Addition of a new section on flexible IBCs (FIBCs) without bottom spouts and large filter bags
16) Significant expansion of Chapter 17, Web and Sheet Processes on web and sheet processes that includes new sections on identifying static charging sources, static control best practices, and maintaining static control
17) Extensive revision of Annex G that includes new figures showing state-of-the-art bonding and grounding systems