PD IEC TS 60079-32-1-2013 PDF

Full title and description

IEC/TS 60079-32-1:2013 — Explosive atmospheres — Part 32-1: Electrostatic hazards, guidance. This technical specification provides guidance on recognizing, assessing and controlling electrostatic hazards that can cause ignition or electrostatic shock in explosive atmospheres; it covers equipment, product and process properties and operational measures to reduce the risk from static electricity.

Abstract

IEC TS 60079-32-1:2013 gives practical recommendations for control of static electricity in environments where flammable gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts may form explosive atmospheres. Topics include earthing/grounding of conductors, measures to reduce charging, restriction of chargeable areas on insulators, and operational controls and checks. The document is intended for use in electrostatic-hazard risk assessments and as input when preparing product-family or dedicated product standards for electrical and non-electrical equipment.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (with consolidated edition available including Amendment 1:2017).
• Publication date: First published 20 August 2013; Amendment 1 published 16 March 2017; consolidated CSV edition published 2017.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.260.20 (Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2013). Consolidated version with Amendment 1 published as 1.1 (2017).
• Number of pages: Base TS (2013) listed as 172 pages by the IEC webstore; Amendment 1 is 12 pages; consolidated publication (2013 + A1:2017 CSV) is published as a larger consolidated file (approx. 354 pages in the IEC consolidated listing; some distributors list combined-PDF counts in the 350–364 page range). When ordering check whether you need the base TS, the amendment, or the consolidated edition.

Scope

The specification gives guidance about equipment, product and process properties necessary to avoid ignition and electrostatic shock hazards arising from static electricity in potentially explosive atmospheres. It is intended to be used for electrostatic-hazard risk assessments and to inform the preparation of product-family or dedicated product standards for electrical and non-electrical machinery and equipment. The guidance addresses both design/engineering measures (earthing, reduction of charging, material selection, limiting chargeable insulator areas) and operational protections (procedures, inspections, maintenance and safe-working practices).

Key topics and requirements

• Principles of electrostatic charge generation and mechanisms of hazardous discharges in combustible atmospheres.
• Risk assessment methodology specific to electrostatic hazards in explosive atmospheres.
• Design and material recommendations to reduce charging (selection of conductive/antistatic materials, surface treatment, limits on chargeable insulators).
• Earthing/grounding and bonding requirements and best practices for equipment and installations.
• Operational controls and verification: inspection, maintenance, procedural safeguards, training and monitoring to maintain low risk.
• Guidance for inclusion of electrostatic considerations in product-family and dedicated standards.

Typical use and users

Used by electrical and process engineers, product designers, equipment manufacturers, safety managers, compliance and certification bodies, standardization committees and auditors in industries with explosive-atmosphere risks — for example oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, grain handling, paints/coatings and solvent-handling operations. The TS is applied when performing electrostatic risk assessments, specifying mitigation measures, or drafting product-specific standards and inspection procedures.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 60079 series (standards for equipment and protective systems for explosive atmospheres). Closely related documents include IEC 60079-0 (general requirements), IEC 60079-10 (classification of hazardous areas), and other 60079 parts addressing specific protection concepts and installation practices. National/adopted equivalents and technical reports such as CLC/TR 60079-32-1:2018 and consolidated IEC TS 60079-32-1:2013+A1:2017 are available.

Keywords

electrostatic hazards; static electricity; explosive atmospheres; ignition risk; earthing/grounding; bonding; risk assessment; IEC 60079; equipment for explosive atmospheres.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 60079-32-1:2013 is a technical specification providing guidance on electrostatic hazards in explosive atmospheres — how they arise, how to assess the risk, and recommended engineering and operational controls to reduce ignition and shock risks.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers electrostatic charge generation and discharge mechanisms, risk assessment approaches for static hazards, design and material recommendations (including earthing/bonding), and operational measures such as inspection and maintenance to control static-related ignition risks.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Electrical and process engineers, equipment manufacturers, safety and compliance officers, testing and certification bodies, and standards committees in sectors where explosive atmospheres can occur. It is used both for design guidance and for preparing product-family or dedicated product standards.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The original TS was published in 2013 and an Amendment 1 was published in 2017; consolidated editions (2013 + A1:2017) are available. The IEC consolidated listing shows a stability date indicating the document is current through at least 2028, but users should check the IEC webstore or their national standards body for the latest status and any subsequent revisions or replacements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 60079 series addressing equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres; the series contains many parts covering general requirements, area classification, and specific protection techniques.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Electrostatic hazards, static electricity, ignition prevention, earthing/grounding, bonding, risk assessment, explosive atmospheres, IEC 60079.