Hazards associated with filling and emptying flexible intermediate bulk containers

The use of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) for storage and transport of powders becomes more frequent and the number of fires or explosions reported is increasing. In a systematic hazard analysis the charge on the bulked product as well as the charge on the FIBC must be considered. As far as the explosion atmosphere is concerned again both the atmosphere in the FIBC and the atmosphere in the surroundings must be analysed