How to determine whether there is static electricity hazard in chemical industry companies?

To determine whether a chemical enterprise has static electricity hazards, a comprehensive evaluation should be conducted from five dimensions: material characteristics, process, equipment and facilities, environmental conditions, and historical events. The most critical signal is the superposition of flammable and explosive environments and static electricity generation links.
Static electricity itself is invisible, but its risks can be identified through systematic investigation. Especially during the dry seasons of autumn and winter or working conditions involving powder and solvent operations, the risk of static electricity accumulation significantly increases. The following is the specific method of judgment:
1、 Check if the material has static electricity hazard
Highly insulating liquids: hydrocarbon solvents such as gasoline, benzene, toluene, acetone, etc., with a resistivity typically between 10 ¹⁰ and 10 ¹Ω· m, are prone to static electricity generation and accumulation during flow, stirring, and filtration.
Powder materials, such as plastic particles, pharmaceutical powders, metal powders, etc., are prone to static electricity due to particle friction during pneumatic conveying, screening, and mixing processes.
Gas emissions: When high-pressure combustible gases are sprayed from valves or gaps, if impurities or droplets are carried, static sparks may also be generated.
✅ Judging signal: If the enterprise uses the above materials and has not taken anti-static measures (such as adding anti-static agents), there is a potential risk of static electricity.
2、 Check if there is any static electricity generation process in the manufacturing process
The following operations are highly prone to static electricity and require special investigation:
Liquid high-speed flow or top filling
If the top of the storage tank is fed, the crane tube does not extend below the liquid level, and the flow rate exceeds 4.5m/s, it will cause droplet splashing and charge accumulation.
Powder pneumatic conveying, screening or dumping
The friction between particles and pipeline walls generates static electricity, especially when the particle size is less than 75 μ m, which is more likely to form explosive dust clouds.
High speed operation of equipment
Centrifuges, reaction vessels, belt drives, etc. are prone to static electricity accumulation if they have poor conductivity during high-speed rotation.
Friction and Separation in Manual Operations
Using chemical fiber cloths to wipe equipment, wearing and removing chemical fiber clothing, dumping materials in plastic containers, and other behaviors may all cause human or object electrification.
✅ Judging signal: If the above operations exist on site without protective measures (such as speed limit, grounding, anti-static tools), the risk of static electricity hazards is extremely high.