If you have a non-conductive flammable liquid and you are passing them through a filter, the hazard associated with static electricity generation can be up to 300X greater. This actually goes with any type of obstruction in the pipe/hose (orifice plate, partly opened valve, flow probe, etc). If you must have a filter/strainer in your […]
The most common generators of static electricity are processes involving flammable liquids. Static electricity is generated by liquids flowing through pipes, and in mixing, pouring, pumping, filtering, or agitating liquids. The rate of generation is influenced by the conductive of the liquids, the amount of turbulence in the liquid, the interfacial surface area between the
Here is the condensed version of what NFPA 2113 requires when FRC are determined to be needed: The organization shall define those facilities and areas of the workplace and tasks that require personnel to wear flame-resistant garments. Organizations shall provide users with the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the care, use, and maintenance of
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
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
