This part of IEC 61340 specifies requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)
between 0,25 m3 and 3 m3 in volume, intended for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres.
The explosive atmosphere can be created by the contents in the FIBC or can exist outside the
FIBC.
The requirements include:
– classification and labelling of FIBC;
– classification of inner liners;
– specification of test methods for each type of FIBC, inner liner, labels and document
pockets;
– design and performance requirements for FIBC, inner liners, labels and document pockets;
– safe use of FIBC (including those with inner liners) within different zones defined for
explosion endangered environments, described for areas where combustible dusts are, or
can be, present (IEC 60079-10-2), and for explosive gas atmospheres (IEC 60079-10-1);
– procedures for type qualification and certification of FIBC, including the safe use of inner
liners.
The requirements of this document are applicable to all types of FIBC and inner liners, tested
as manufactured, prior to use and intended for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres:
Zones 1 and 2 (Groups IIA and IIB only) and Zones 21 and 22 (see Annex D for classification
of hazardous areas and explosion groups). For some types of FIBC, the requirements of this
document apply only to use in hazardous explosive atmospheres with minimum ignition
energy of 0,14 mJ or greater and where charging currents do not exceed 3,0 µA.
FIBC are not normally used in Zone 0 or Zone 20. If FIBC are used in Zone 0 or Zone 20, the
requirements of this document are applicable, together with additional requirements that are
beyond the scope of this document to define.
The volume contained within FIBC can be designated as Zone 20, in which case the
requirements of this document are applicable.
Solids containing residual solvent can result in a hazardous explosive atmosphere within
FIBC, possibly resulting in the volume being designated as Zone 1 or Zone 2; in which case
the requirements of this document are applicable.
Compliance with the requirements specified in this document does not necessarily ensure that
hazardous electrostatic discharges, for example cone discharges, will not be generated by the
contents in FIBC. Information on the risks associated with cone discharges is given in
Annex E.
Compliance with the requirements of this document does not mitigate the need for full risk
assessment. For example, metal and other conductive powders and toner powders can
require additional precautions to prevent hazardous discharges from the powders.