Journal of the Korean Society of Safety (한국안전학회지)

The Korean Society of Safety (한국안전학회)
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Derivation of Cause Variables necessary for Electrostatic Fire/Explosion Risk Assessment and Accident Investigation

정전기 화재·폭발 위험성평가 및 사고조사에 필요한 발생원인 변수 도출

  • Junghwan Byeon (Occupational Safety and Health Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency) ;
  • Hyeongon Park (Department of Safety Engineering, Pukyong National University)
  • 변정환 (안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원) ;
  • 박현곤 (부경대학교 안전공학과)
  • Received : 2024.02.06
  • Accepted : 2024.03.27
  • Published : 2024.04.30
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Abstract

Static-electricity-induced fires and explosions persistently occur every year, averaging approximately 80 and 20 cases annually according to fire statistics provided by the National Fire Agency and industrial accident statistics provided by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, respectively. Despite the relatively low probabilities of these accidents, their potential risks are high. Consequently, effective risk assessment methodologies and accident investigation strategies are essential for efficiently managing static-electricity hazards in fire- and explosion-prone areas. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the causal variables essential for accident investigations, thereby facilitating risk assessments and the implementation of effective recurrence prevention measures to mitigate static-electricity hazards in fire-and explosion-prone regions. To this end, industrial accident statistics recorded over the past decade (2012 to 2021) by the Ministry of Employment and Labor were analyzed to identify major fire and explosion incidents and related industrial accidents wherein static electricity was identified as a potential ignition source. Subsequently, relevant investigation reports (63 cases) were thoroughly analyzed. Based on the results of this analysis, existing electrostatic fire and explosion risk assessment techniques were refined and augmented. Moreover, factors essential for investigating electrostatic fire and explosion disasters were delineated, and the primary causal variables necessary for effective risk assessments and scientific investigations were derived.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by a Research Grant of Pukyong National University(2022)

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