Although static electricity can be regarded as a difficult subject to grasp, it is also vital that anyone operating in hazardous areas or with flammable materials is aware of the risks.
This case study reviews an incident where vacuuming off-spec Toluene from a sump caused the vapours to ignite from a static spark discharge. The primary cause determined through an investigation, was that the truck was not grounded, causing the build-up and eventual discharge of static electricity, causing the vapour to explode.
So how could this incident have been prevented? Read the case study here to find out, delving further into the possible causes, industry standards, ultimate conclusion and preventative solutions.