Hazard alert – grounding and bonding

Manitoba has recently faced serious incidents related to static-initiated explosions and fires, some resulting in serious burns to workers.

These incidents occurred when a flammable environment existed and a static spark ignited it. They occurred in a paint booth, manufacturing plants and outdoor processing of materials. The movement of plastic (or material, etc.) can cause a build up of static charge, or the lack of grounding on a container when transferring flammable products.

The explosions and fires can cause severe burns to workers and damage to property.

Contributing factors

During the investigations into these incidents, several contributing factors were noted, including:

• Lack of use of non-sparking tools.
• Lack of grounding rods and grounding cables available and required for use.
• Build-up of paint on metal containers used for grounding, so lack of connection when clamps attached for grounding.
• Lack of fire-retardant coveralls.
• Wearing flammable Tyvex suits.
• Lack of safe work procedures.
• Lack of awareness of the risks of static charge.
• Lack of awareness that splash loading or dumping product, such as granules that cause friction, can cause turbulence and produce a static charge.
• Flammable vapour build-up.
• Lack of supervision.
• Lack of WHMIS training on the hazards of products.
• Lack of awareness that Nitrogen gas may be used to displace the flammable vapours prior to introducing a potential source of ignition.

Grounding: The connection of the container to an already grounded object that will conduct electricity to “drain” off any static charge.

Bonding: Making an electrical connection between two containers so there is no difference in electrical potential to protect from sparks/electric shock.

Prevention measures

Employers at all workplaces where flammable or explosive substances are transferred between containers must control ignition sources and static charges by either electrically grounding or bonding the containers as per Part 19.7 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation.

As per Part 19.2 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, fire and explosive hazards shall be assessed, safe work procedures must be developed and implemented, and workers educated and trained.

As per Part 35.3 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, educating and training workers on hazardous products they are working with, the Safety Data Sheet information and procedures for safety using, storing, handling and disposing of the hazardous product. As well as the procedures to be followed in case of an emergency involving the hazardous product.

As per Part 2.7(1) of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, an employer must immediately notify Workplace Safety and Health when there is an explosion or fire in the workplace.

SAFE Work Manitoba reminds employers that their responsibilities also include:

• Develop safe work procedures, train workers in the procedures and ensure workers follow the procedures.
• Provide grounding rods and effective grounding clamps at point of use.
• Ensure that containers are grounded when transferring flammable liquids.
• Conduct audits to ensure safe work procedures are followed.
• Provide fire-retardant coveralls when required.
• Train workers on WHMIS.
• Ensure fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems are up to date and ready to use.
• Inform Workplace Safety and Health as soon as possible, at any time, when there is a fire in the workplace.

Workers’ responsibilities include:

• Follow the safe work procedures for grounding and bonding.
• Ask questions if they are unsure.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Industry-Based Safety Programs

If you have questions about this topic that are specific to your industry, please contact your Industry-Based Safety Program (IBSP).

• Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM)
• Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA)
• RPM Trucking Industry Safety
• Manitoba Association for Safety in Healthcare (MASH)
• Made Safe
• Sales and Service Safety Association (S2SA)

If your industry is not currently associated with an IBSP, you’re unsure whether your industry has an IBSP or you have more general questions, please call 204-957-SAFE (7233) in Winnipeg or toll-free 1-855-957-SAFE (7233) outside Winnipeg, or email SAFE Work Manitoba.