3021 Model Code of Safe Practice Part 21: Guidelines for the control of hazards arising from static electricity

Overview:

Essential reading for all those involved in the fuels distribution and supply chain, this document provides up to date guidance on key equipment, procedures and operational practices used for reducing static electric ignition risk.

In the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), Regulation 5 requires a risk assessment to be undertaken to assess the likelihood that ignition sources, including electrostatic discharges will arise from substances in the workplace. The new edition of this Model code provides an explanation of static electricity concepts, how static electric charge is generated in petroleum operations and a model assessment of the ignition risk posed by static electricity. It also provides an overview of petroleum product characteristics and equipment requirements.

Detailed operational guidance is provided for different parts of the fuels distribution chain, including road and rail loading, storage tank operations, ship and barge operations, handling liquids and solids in containers, filling station operations, maintenance and testing and aircraft fuel handling.

The third edition of this Model Code provides new and revised guidance on:-  how to use the guidelines in the context of a risk assessment,

• the influence of bio-components,
• earthing and bonding requirements for filling stations and aircraft fuelling,
• selection of personal protective equipment (PPE), including footwear,
• filling of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs),
• the use of plastics for underground piping at filling stations and fuelling with LPG and CNG, tank cleaning and meter proving,
• liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems (brief information only), and
• upstream/offshore operations (brief information only).