Electrical Safety: Static Electricity

Many of the chemicals that you handle and work around in the refinery are flammable and/or combustible.  Therefore, static electricity is a hazard that we all need to be aware of and control.

Static electricity is caused from the movement of fluids, especially fluids of low conductivity (e. g. gasoline) through a pipe, hose or even splashing through open air can also generate and cause an accumulation of electrical charges.  If the charges are not dissipated or equalized in a slow, controlled manner, they will build up and discharge through the air with a spark.  If the spark occurs in an area where flammable gases or vapors are present and within the flammable range of the material, a fire or explosion can result.

The principal method used in industry to prevent the build-up of static electric charges to dangerous levels is: Bonding and earthing of stationary conductive equipment