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Static Electricity
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1
What is Static Electricity?.................................................................................................... 2
Causes of Static Electricity .................................................................................................. 2
Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres The Need for Risk Assessment ......................... 3
Ways to Reduce or Control Static Electricity ..................................................................... 3
Summary ..............................................................................................................................3
References and Additional Information Sources .............................................................. 3
Introduction
Many fires have been caused by static electricity which can be more fully and usefully referred to as undesirable
electrostatic discharge, with some fires resulting in major property losses and subsequent significant interruption
to business continuity. Static electricity is generated by many industrial processes and is actually used as part of
the process in many cases. This Risktopic deals with the type of static electrical discharge which represents an
inadvertent and undesirable source of ignition leading to property loss fires, explosions and accidental damage.
This accidental electricity presents a real risk of significant loss unless the risk is adequately recognised and
controlled.
This Risktopic has the objective of providing some background information about undesirable electrostatic
discharges and giving guidance to help ensure that, in the case of relatively minor usages of flammable liquids,
static electrical hazards are being adequately addressed. However, in the case of flammable gases and dusts and
in the case of significant industrial installations, the advice of a competent and suitably qualified professional
adviser will normally be required to address individual circumstances.
Type of Materials
The type of material has a major effect on the production of static electricity since some materials are more prone
to becoming electrically charged than others. Plastics, for example, can maintain static charges for a long period
of time allowing a higher charge to build up.
Environmental Conditions
The condition of the atmosphere surrounding materials or surfaces has an effect on static electricity generation.
Drier air is more conducive to providing an environment for the creation of static electricity. Conversely, higher
humidity is likely to make it more difficult for static charges to be produced. Temperature fluctuations can also
help to create the right environment for static. Materials that go through a cooling cycle are more prone to
generating an electrical charge.
Repetitive Actions
Repeated actions can alter the amount of an electrical charge. For example, a process which involves the coming
together of two surfaces repeatedly will build up a bigger charge through friction. Equally, a material which is
charged while moving over a series of rollers will increase its electrical charge after each roller.
Carry out a risk assessment under Regulation 5, in which it is necessary to consider various relevant
factors including the hazardous properties of the substances in use, the circumstances of the work and
the likelihood that an explosive atmosphere will occur and its persistence. It is acceptable to take into
account the measures which have been or will be taken to eliminate or control the risk.
It is necessary under Regulation 5 (g) for the employer to consider the likelihood that ignition sources,
including electrostatic discharges, will be present and become active and effective.
Use the Schedule of Zone definitions in Schedule 2 of the Regulations as an aid to the classification of
places where explosive atmospheres may occur. Initially this requires a determination of a hazardous
place and subsequently zoning of a hazardous place based on the occurrence, frequency and duration of
explosive atmospheres.
Zone definitions for explosive atmospheres, ranging from continuously present to not likely to occur in
normal operations, are given titles: Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2. For dusts, similar definitions are found
and given corresponding titles: Zone 20, Zone 21 and Zone 22.
More information on zoning and risk assessment is given in the more specific Risk Topics covering selection of
suitable electrical equipment in potentially flammable atmospheres and in the titles given under Additional
Information.
The splashing of a liquid allowed to "free fall" into a tank is a source of static generation. This should be
avoided, either by arranging for bottom entry into a tank or by the use of a fill pipe, which extends to the
bottom of the tank.
Mechanical mixing or agitation of a liquid can cause static generation and should be kept to a minimum.
A person insulated from earth can accumulate an electrostatic charge which will produce sparks on
discharge with sufficient energy to ignite a flammable atmosphere.
In many situations the resistance of the footwear and flooring is low enough to provide adequate
earthing, however, where a potential hazard is identified this can generally be controlled by the provision
of suitable anti-static footwear.
In certain situations it may also be necessary for anti-static clothing to be provided. Clothing should not
be removed in areas where a flammable atmosphere is present.
Summary
Static electricity not only has the potential to cause electric shocks, in certain atmospheres static discharges can
cause explosions or fires to occur. It is important to recognise that certain materials, such as plastics, have an
increased ability to create static electrical discharges if suitable precautions are not taken. The guidance in this
Risktopic has been designed to help identify how static electricity is generated, factors that can increase the risk
and measures that can be taken to reduce or control the risk of static discharge. Zurich strongly recommends that
a thorough risk assessment is undertaken where there is a risk of static electricity being generated within a
flammable or explosive atmosphere.
All information contained in this document has been compiled and obtained from sources believed to be reliable and credible
but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Zurich Financial Services Ltd or any of its subsidiaries (the
Group) as to their accuracy or completeness. Some of the information contained herein may be time sensitive. Thus, you
should consult the most recent referenced material.
Information relating to risk engineering is intended as a general description of certain types of risk engineering services
available to qualified customers. The Group and its employees do not assume any liability of any kind whatsoever, resulting
from the use, or reliance upon any information, material or procedure contained herein. The Group and its employees do not
guarantee particular outcomes and there may be conditions on your premises or within your organization which may not be
apparent to us. You are in the best position to understand your business and your organization and to take steps to minimize
risk, and we wish to assist you by providing the information and tools to assess your changing risk environment.
In the U.S., risk engineering services are available to qualified customers through Zurich Services Corporation.
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