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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM67376
Volume:
10 |
9 |
Sep 2026
Pages:
1-10
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
FIRE TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY ENGINEERING
VIKRANT UNIVERSITY, GWALIOR
FIRE TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY ENGINEERING
VIKRANT UNIVERSITY, GWALIOR
Static electricity is a significant process-safety concern in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly during the handling, transfer, mixing, filtration, drying and processing of flammable liquids, powders and other materials capable of generating electrostatic charge. An electrostatic discharge can become an ignition source when a flammable vapor, gas or combustible dust atmosphere is present. IEC TS 60079-32-1 specifically provides guidance for assessing electrostatic hazards and controlling them through measures such as earthing, reducing charge generation and controlling chargeable insulating surfaces. IEC Webstore+1 This research proposes a systematic Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) of static-electricity hazards in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The study focuses on identifying sources of electrostatic charge, evaluating the likelihood and consequences of electrostatic discharge, assessing existing controls, and developing risk-reduction measures. Particular attention is given to solvent transfer, powder handling, charging and discharging operations, mixing, filtration, drying and storage. The proposed methodology combines workplace observation, process review, interviews, document analysis and HIRA. The research can help organizations strengthen grounding and bonding systems, operating procedures, equipment selection, employee training and process-safety management.
KEYWORDS
Static electricity represents an important hazard in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly where flammable liquids, vapors, gases or combustible powders are present. The generation and accumulation of electrostatic charge do not necessarily result in an incident; the risk depends on the possibility of a hazardous discharge occurring under conditions capable of ignition. A systematic HIRA approach can identify where electrostatic charge is generated, how it accumulates, where discharge could occur and what consequences could result. IEC TS 60079-32-1 provides specific guidance for electrostatic-risk assessment and control, including earthing, reduction of charge generation and management of chargeable materials. IEC Webstore+1 For chemical and pharmaceutical facilities, the most useful approach is to integrate electrostatic-risk assessment into the wider process safety management system, rather than treating static electricity as an isolated electrical issue. The proposed study therefore combines HIRA + process review + workplace observation + interviews + grounding/bonding assessment + incident analysis to develop a comprehensive electrostatic-hazard management framework.
1. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). IEC TS 60079-32-1:2013+A1:2017 — Explosive atmospheres — Part 32-1: Electrostatic hazards — Guidance. IEC Webstore 2. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). IEC 60079-32-2:2015 — Explosive atmospheres — Part 32-2: Electrostatic hazards — Tests. IEC Webstore 3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA Technical Manual, Section IV, Chapter 5: Petroleum Refining Process Safety Management. OSHA 4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 29 CFR 1910.106 — Flammable Liquids. OSHA 5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Bonding and grounding of plastic containers during transfer of Class I flammable liquids. OSHA 6. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). IEC 60079-10-2:2026 — Explosive atmospheres — Part 10-2: Classification of areas — Explosive dust atmospheres. IEC Webstore
Publication Date
9/21/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
Funding Information
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