So far I have tried to explain how a vapor cloud develops by discussing Flash Point, Vapor Density, etc. Now I would like to explain how a vapor cloud develops and just how LITTLE energy is needed to be an ignition source. If you ever experience a spill of a flammable/combustible liquid and the temperature…...
I want to touch a bit more on two of the elements I mentioned in my original post…Vapor Density and Lower Explosive Limit (sometimes called Lower Flammable Limit). Vapor Density is basically the weight of the vapor or gas in air. It tells us whether the gas/vapor will rise or fall when it flashes off…...
On November 29, 2010, State Police Detectives assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal were requested to respond to the scene of a fire that had occurred at Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Rd. Coventry. Investigators determined that a propane company was refilling two 120 gallon propane cylinders outside a fully-occupied cafeteria of the…...
These two (2) videos from the Solvent Industry Association (SIA) in the United Kingdom and the European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) are by far the best series of videos on the practice of bonding and grounding. They can be found on the internet for non-members, but SAFTENG members can watch them below. SPECIAL NOTE: in…...
Verifying that grounding and bonding systems meet a specific resistance threshold—such as the common 10 ohms target for flammable liquid processes—requires a systematic approach to ensure both accuracy and technician safety. The following procedure outlines the steps for performing a static ground-resistance test using a dedicated ground-resistance tester (Ohmmeter). This procedure applies to the periodic…...
History has shown that flammable vapor ignitions in a number of cases have been proven to reside in mobile equipment working in or around a facility. “Industrial Loader and Forklift Fires,” an NFPA report published in January 2009, states that between 2003 and 2006, an average of 1,340 fires were ignited by heat or ignition…...
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The requirements for bonding and grounding of containers during the transfer of Class I flammable liquids are contained in 29 CFR 1910.106(e)(6)(ii). This paragraph does not specifically address plastic containers. However, OSHA issued “OSHA Instruction STD 1-5.14-A” on October 24, 1980 to address plastic containers (NOTE: this STD is NO LONGER AVAILABLE via OSHA.gov). This…...
I am sure this article will ruffle a few feathers, but honestly, I am surprised and disappointed by that. But I do a lot of work in flammable liquid processing, and this topic always comes up during audits, PHAs, and accident investigations. Some folks will swear that only grounding is “required.” They get this from…...
The proper installation of bonding and grounding systems is important in the protection of personnel and property. At the time of installation, a resistance test is needed to confirm electrical continuity to ground. Evaluating the maintenance requirements, the bonding and grounding system can be divided into three categories:… Membership Required You must be a member...
Generating static electricity in flammable liquids involves charge separation that occurs whenever the liquid moves relative to a surface. The process follows a specific sequence:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
In the world of flammable liquids processing, we have two (2) types of flammable liquids: Members can read all my articles on how these flammable liquids get classified as “conductive” vs. “non-conductive. This post is to explain HOW and WHY the traditional “bonding and grounding” used in the transfer of flammable liquids may be inadequate…...
