Introduction to Fire Safety Management

8.4.8 Other 
signifi cant hazards
Electrostatic discharges
– the risk of fi res and explo-
sions attributed to electrostatic discharges that arise 
from machinery such as the Neoprene belt on a conveyor 
unit or from processes such as the decanting of solvents 
can be managed effectively by selecting the correct 
equipment, managing the environment, e.g. humidity, by 
the practice of grounding metallic objects, and replacing 
insulating materials with static dissipative materials.
Where the presence of a fl ammable atmosphere is 
possible, electrostatic discharges must be controlled. 
The three key methods available are:
➤
The equipotential bonding and earthing of conduct-
ors, which may also include operatives
➤
The minimisation of electrostatic charge generation
➤
The maximisation of charge dissipation.
Figure 8.26
Typical electrical bonding notice located on 
a conveyor belt boiler
In some instances, the above measures, either on their 
own or in combination, may not be entirely adequate 
and they should then be supplemented by appropriate 
safe systems of work and design features to avoid any 
discharges.

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Introduction to Fire Safety Management
158
Formal procedures for the safe use, handling, etc. 
of any article or substance that can effectively cause a 
discharge of static electricity must be recorded and staff 
trained to follow them.
The provision of lightning conductors is the main 
control measure for preventing fi res and explosions 
occurring from lightning strikes. Lightning conductors’ 
function is to attract a lightning discharge, which might 
otherwise strike a vulnerable part of a structure and to 
convey the current safely to earth.
There are a variety of types of lightning protec-
tion systems available and will be selected upon the 
level of risk. Structures with inherent explosive risks, 
e.g. explosives factories, fuel stores, dumps and tanks, 
invariably need the highest possible class of lightning 
protection system. Details of the requirements can be 
found in BS 6651 Code of practice for protection of 
structures against lightning.