Tests of electrostatic controls for hazardous industrial applications

THE destruction and casualties from fires and explosions which originate from electrostatic ignition in hazardous processes are all too well known among safety engineers and industrial management to require elaboration. The annual property loss to industry is reported to be approximately $100,000,000 exclusive of costly losses from indirect sources. These losses, as well as the injuries and deaths of operators resulting from electrostatic origin, occur where flammable components are ignited in industrial processes. Industrial solvents and flammable or explosive chemicals are the chief offenders.