Electrostatic discharges have long been known as a hazard associated with handling petroleum products. A monograph by Klinkenberg and van der Minne in 1958 [1] led to the development of antistatic additives by Royal Dutch/Shell. J.T. Leonard has described many papers and publications from the 1960s and 1970s addressing both the hazard and related safety […]
An interesting analysis of flammable vapor explosions in the shipping industry. The report provides some brief details of the incidents, with causes. Everything from hotwork to static is covered. I especially like using the one where the sample was being obtained from a hold using a metal bucket and fiber rope in my flammable liquids
The following is an incident investigation report from the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT. The accident was a result of having a flammable liquid tank within the 35′ fire safe zone required for safe hotwork (e.g. cutting, welding, brazing, grinding, etc.) zone.
An accident occurred when an as-yet unidentified source ignited the ethyl acetate solvent being loaded into a 330 gallon square tank, called a tote. The operator who was filling the tote had turned away momentarily when he heard what was described as a popping sound, which witnesses believe was a pressure relief device. A fireball
A “safety can” is an approved container of not more than 5-gallon (19 L) capacity having a spring-closing lid and spout cover so designed that it will relieve internal pressure whensubjected to fire exposure. Safety cans are commonly used where limited quantities of flammable and combustible liquids are required for manufacturing or research. The basicpurpose
On average, we conduct around a dozen flammable liquid safety audits each year and I can not think of an audit where we were not asked about the ventilation requirements in 1910.106(e)(3)(v)(a) and/or NFPA 30, 17.11.1-10. Both of these standards require an area where a Class I Flammable Liquid is being transferred or dispensed be ventilated at
9.5.2 The total aggregate volume of Class I, II, and IIIA flammable liquids in a group of storage cabinets shall NOT exceed the MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY (MAQ) of flammable and combustible liquids per control area based on the occupancy where the cabinets are located.
Ordinary glass containers exposed to heat will fail at about 212F (100C) due to thermally induced stress. Storage cabinets are designed to offer protection from radiant heat, but only for a limited time of intense fire exposure. The user MUST recognize these limitations.
Oily waste safety cans are an essential safety device where ever cloths and wiping rags are used with oils and solvents. Rags and cloths soaked with solvents, thinners, linseed oil, combustible adhesives and other flammable liquids present a serious fire risk if they are improperly discarded. These safety cans are specially designed to isolate
In the last two years we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of Anti-Static Wrist Bands in industrial settings. These wrist bands are designed and manufactured for “bench work” in highly controlled work spaces; not within an industrial setting.
Published by the Occupational Safety and Health Service, Department of Labour – Wellington, New Zealand First published: 1982; Revised: 1990
Precautions should be taken to prevent vapors from being ignited by the discharge of static electricity. The movement of ANY process liquids during pumping, emptying, filling and spraying can cause electrostatic accumulation. Movement of other materials, such as powders or a printing web, or cleaning operations, can also create static electricity hazards. Non-conducting footwear and
