Electrostatic discharge hazards and control measures

Virtually all activities which involve sensitive explosive / flammable materials will contain some of the elements necessary for an electrostatic ignition. More often than not, the activities run trouble free - the generation and accumulation of electrostatic energy is unseen and discharges if they occur may be low in energy and remain unnoticed. A simple change in the process or operating procedures however may be all that is necessary to complete the chain between charge generation and ignition. The consequence of an ignition is of course often catastrophic. History has demonstrated that a plant may run trouble free for decades and then for no immediately apparent reason experience a series of fires. There is a need to look in to the aspects of expertise, knowledge and practice in dealing with ESD hazards. It is strongly recommended that all operations on or involving explosive devices, and/or propellants shall be analyzed for applicability of the mitigation techniques.