Abstract
Recently, numerous explosions and fires due to static electricity have occurred during operations such as powder handling, dust collection, liquid flow and spraying. One effective way of avoiding electrostatic hazards is to carry out risk assessment based on the recommended practices and standard test methods. IEC TC 101 (static electricity) promotes international standardization to avoid electrostatic hazards and nuisances. The joint working group of IEC TC 101 and IEC TC 31 (explosion-protected electrical installations) discusses the draft of a new technical report based on CENELEC TR 50404 (Code of practice for the avoidance of hazards due to static electricity). JIS C 61340-4-4:2009, which is identical to IEC 61340-4-4:2005 (Standard test methods for electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk container. FIBC), has been set. The draft of the second edition, which includes the use of inner bags, is under discussion by the IEC TC 101 working group. The draft of the revised edition for JIS T 8103 (Anti-static footwear to avoid the risk of ignition) that adopts IEC 61340-4-3:2007 (Standard test methods for footwear to avoid ESD damage to electronic components) has been prepared.
