Electrostatic Hazard Assessment

What Is An Electrostatic Hazard?

An electrostatic hazard arises when a static charge builds up and discharges with enough energy to ignite a flammable atmosphere. This discharge—called an electrostatic ignition source—can happen when two materials (liquids or solids) come into contact and then separate, generating and accumulating static electricity.

By itself, static charge is not dangerous. It becomes hazardous when:

• The charge accumulates to a high level

• The resulting discharge is strong enough to ignite gases, vapors, or dust

• A flammable atmosphere is present

For a hazardous electrostatic discharge to occur, five conditions must be met:

1. A flammable atmosphere (gas, vapor, mist, or dust) is present

2. A process generates static charge

3. The charge accumulates

4. The charge exceeds the breakdown strength of the surrounding atmosphere

5. The discharge is energetic enough to cause ignition

To prevent this, conductive plant components—like metal pipes, vessels, and containers—must be grounded. If resistance to ground exceeds 10 ohms, a direct ground connection is required. Grounding systems should be checked regularly, and their purpose understood by both operators and maintenance staff.

Understanding Static Electricity: Generation, Accumulation, and Discharge

Charge Generation

Static charge is generated when two different materials come into contact. Electrons transfer between them, and when the materials are separated, one may retain a positive charge and the other a negative one—especially if either is an insulator.

Charge Accumulation

Charges build up when they are generated faster than they can dissipate. Materials are grouped based on volume resistivity:

• Low resistivity powders (𝜌 ≤ 1 MΩ·m): Can still retain charge, even in contact with grounded material

• Medium resistivity powders (1 MΩ·m < 𝜌 ≤ 10 GΩ·m)

• High resistivity powders (𝜌 > 10 GΩ·m): More prone to accumulation

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

If enough charge accumulates, it can result in an electrostatic discharge. As two charged objects approach, the electric field intensifies. Once it exceeds the breakdown strength of air, a spark can occur—potentially igniting nearby flammable materials.

Risks Associated with Static Electricity

• Electric shock to personnel

• Fires or explosions from igniting flammable atmospheres

• Production disturbances (e.g., in paper, plastic, powder handling)

• Damage to electronics from electrostatic discharge

• Wear or failure of mechanical components, like bearings

Electrostatic Hazard Assessment (EHA)

An Electrostatic Hazard Assessment (EHA) evaluates risks related to static electricity in facilities handling combustible materials. It helps prevent ignition incidents through a structured review of:

1. Identification of Static Sources

Determine where and how static charges are generated—often during material transfer or personnel movement.

2. Material Properties

Analyze how materials interact with static charge and whether they’re flammable or combustible.

3. Environmental Conditions

Review factors like humidity and temperature that affect charge generation or dissipation.

4. Equipment & Infrastructure

Check that all conductive parts are properly grounded and bonded to safely release static charges.

5. Work Practices

Assess operational procedures that might promote charge build-up or poor dissipation.

6. Risk Evaluation

Determine the likelihood of ignition and the potential consequences if it occurs.

7. Control Measures

Implement solutions like grounding, antistatic devices, or process modifications to minimize risks.

8. Training & Awareness

Educate employees on static hazards, grounding systems, and emergency procedures.

9. Documentation & Compliance

Keep thorough records and ensure your facility meets standards like NFPA, OSHA, or IEC.

10. Ongoing Monitoring

Review and update your assessment regularly as equipment, materials, or processes change.

Why perform electrostatic hazard assessment

Static electricity is a common ignition source in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. Without proper controls, it can cause fires, explosions, and costly damage.

By conducting an EHA, you can:

• Identify and control static generation and accumulation points

• Evaluate the effectiveness of grounding and bonding systems

• Ensure compliance with industry safety standards

• Protect your people, assets, and operations from static-induced incidents

Get in touch

Any questions or concerns? To learn more about our services, please call +1 (346) 462-3838 /+1 (346) 462-3816 or email info@primeprocesssafety.com.

Contact Us

Request a Quote

Our Electrostatic Hazard Assessment

Why Choose Prime Process Safety Center

At Prime Process Safety Center, we bring deep expertise and a practical approach to managing electrostatic hazards. Our team specializes in static electricity risk control, with experience across chemical, pharmaceutical, and dust-handling industries. We tailor each assessment to your specific operations, ensuring relevant and effective recommendations.

Using advanced diagnostic tools and modeling systems, we accurately measure static charge generation, accumulation, and discharge potential. Our approach doesn’t stop at identifying risks—we also provide actionable solutions, from improved grounding and bonding systems to process adjustments.

We help ensure full compliance with applicable regulations and standards, including those from OSHA, NFPA, and IEC. Beyond compliance, we offer employee training programs to build awareness of electrostatic hazards and safe practices.

Our support continues after the assessment with ongoing consultation and follow-up, helping you maintain long-term improvements. We also deliver detailed reports with clear findings and practical steps for implementation.

Finally, our ISO accredited Houston-based laboratory supports your assessment with accurate, defensible testing data and conductivity measurements using industry-standard methods.

Get A Free Quote

Full Name(Required)

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Company Name(Required)

Company Address

Message(Required)

FAQ