Blog Introduction
In this blog, I tried to give you some precious information about Static Electricity and its hazards in the chemical area. After reading this blog you can easily understand:
- Static Electricity Basic Information
- Hazards of Static Electricity while Handling Chemicals
- How to get rid of Static Electricity in a Chemical Area.
What is Static Electricity?
Static electricity is generated when two objects rub against each other, it is also called electrostatics. When two surfaces of objects rub then the unregulated electrons in the objects regulate their directions. They create magnetic fields and static charges.
Examples of Static Electricity.
Here are some examples of ways to generate static electricity:
- Plastic Wrap and combing your hair
- Removing Clothes from the Dryer
- Taking off a Wool Sweater
- Combing Hair with a Plastic Comb
- Transferring or pouring chemicals and flammable liquids
Static Electricity In Chemical Area.
Static electricity is generated when liquids flow through pipes or are poured into storage containers. Charges can build up when solvents, chemicals, or flammable substances are stored or transferred between drums. Static Electricity in the chemical handling area should be controlled to prevent fire hazards.
Storage!
The fire risk due to static electricity in chemical storage facilities is very real. If not properly controlled, this charge can ignite vapors around the drum, resulting in a dangerous fire or explosion! How does this happen?
If the drum is not grounded or bonded correctly, the electrical charge doesn’t have a safe path to discharge.
The presence of flammable vapors combined with a spark can create a fire.
Key Safety Procedures to Prevent Fires
Here are some safety precautions to get rid of static electricity in the field of chemicals.
- Grounding and Bonding:
- Ensure that all chemical drums and containers are properly grounded. This allows any static charge to safely dissipate without causing a spark. Use proper bonding techniques when transferring liquids.
- Control Vapor Releases:
- Always ensure that storage areas are well-ventilated to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors.
- Avoid Synthetic Clothing:
- Workers should avoid wearing synthetic materials, as they can generate static electricity and choose anti-static clothing.
nobody attempted to put the fire out when transferring flammable liquid should someone be on fire watch with an extinguisher at the ready should something happen, also the operator should have been wearing anti-static and flame retardant overalls.