Following some recent high profile fires we remind businesses transferring or storing flammable liquids eg Class 3 Dangerous Goods (DGs) to review your controls.

If static electricity is not controlled within a hazardous area, it can cause fire or explosion.

A hazardous area is a designated zone where vapours, fumes, or mists may create a flammable or explosive atmosphere.

Flammable liquids create flammable vapour when exposed to the air. This can occur through open containers, decanting, mixing, or from a spill or leak. Vapour clouds are often invisible and can build up quickly.

Ignition sources that can ignite flammable vapours typically include arching in electrical equipment with motors, power points, or forklifts, and can also include gas pilot light, flames, sparks or static electricity.

Static electricity is generated by flowing hydrocarbons like decanting and blending of flammable liquids. Typically, electrical charge builds up on the surface of the container. Accumulation of static electricity leads to sparks, which ignites flammable vapours if present.

Controlling Static Electricity

To control risks associated with decanting and blending flammable liquids, the following is recommended:

Eliminate ignition sources in hazardous areas. Make sure pumps and other equipment used for decanting are intrinsically safe, which are specifically designed to not create sparks.
Bond all equipment, vessels and containers to maintain consistent electrical potential when decanting flammable liquids. Bonding is usually achieved by connecting containers together with wires and clips.
Earth equipment: Ensure vessels and large containers (>20L) transferring flammable liquids are earthed. Earthing allows any static charge that does build up to dissipate into the earth. This involves connecting the equipment to a metal conductor directly connected to the general mass of earth (either via the building frame or an earthing stake).
Avoid splash filling during decanting and blending of flammable liquids. Use a liquid transfer pipe which reaches as close as possible to the bottom of the container or through bottom inlet lines.
Complete a risk assessment for blending activities as per AS 1940:2017 to identify hazards and control the risk.
Have clear work and emergency procedures for blending and decanting. Confirm all workers are trained in the procedures.
Provide appropriate clothing and PPE for workers. Avoid clothing that can generate static such as polyester.
Ensure process hoses are electrically conductive.
Ensure conductive fittings are used when decanting from non-conductive containers.
Reduce the likelihood of flammable vapours being present in the workspace:

Ensure ventilation systems are maintained and are functioning efficiently.
Keep containers closed when not in use.
Store containers away from the hazardous areas.
Clean up any spillage immediately and ensure waste materials are disposed of safely.
Dispose of any unused flammable liquids.

Minimise the quantity of flammable liquids.

Grounding And Bonding

Bonding and grounding are methods for reducing static electricity and the possibility of electrostatic sparks or ignition.

The difference between the two is that bonding connects two containers together, while grounding connects a container with the earth.

Bonding

Bonding connects two or more pieces of conductive equipment together using wires, cables, or other connecters to equalize their static charge. Sparks cannot occur between objects that are at the same electrostatic potential.

Earthing

Grounding discharges built-up of static charge to the earth. This is achieved by connecting it to the earth via a grounding rod or electrode stuck in the ground. Grounding drains the static charges away as they are produced, removing excess charge by transferring electrons between the object and the earth.

WorkSafe Compliance Inspections

We understand WorkSafe Victoria will shortly be inspecting premises storing and handling significant quantities of Class 3 dangerous goods. WorkSafe expect a current hazardous area classification and static electricity control plan to be in place.

Hazardous Area Classification

Hazardous area classification must be conducted when transferring Class 3 dangerous goods at your premises. The classification will identify areas where flammable/explosive atmospheres may exist.

Static Electricity Control Plan

A static electricity control plan must be created if static is identified as a hazard (ignition source). The plan provides detailed analysis and static controls to reduce or remove risks associated with the hazards.

Contact Safety Action if you need a chemical storage audit, DG Emergency Plan, or DG Manifest on 03 8544 4300 or email.

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