---
title: "Static Electricity in FIBCs: How to Avoid the Dangers of Storing Combustible Products"
description: Learn how to prevent static electricity hazards in FIBC bulk bags when storing and transporting flammable products. Explore types of bags and proper safety measures.
image: https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hubfs/Bulk-Bag-Static-Electricty-1.jpg
---

Call Us Today! 1-888-237-4224|[info@nationalbulkbag.com](mailto:info@nationalbulkbag.com)

<https://www.facebook.com/nationalbulkbag/> <https://plus.google.com/b/118323401551234122056/118323401551234122056> <http://www.linkedin.com/company/15256954> <https://twitter.com/nationalbulkbag>

[![National Bulk Bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hubfs/NationalBulkBag-Dec2016/Image/LOGO-National-Bulk-Bag-with-full-B-2-copy1.png)](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/)

- [HOME](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/)
- [BULK BAGS](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/) 
    - [In-Stock Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/)
    - [Duffle Top Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/duffle-top-bulk-bags/)
    - [Spout Top Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/spout-top-bulk-bags/)
    - [Bulk Bags with Baffles](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/bulk-bags-baffles/)
    - [Vented Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/vented-bulk-bags/)
    - [Food Grade Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc/in-stock-food-grade-bulk-bags/)
    - [Bulk Bags with Liners](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc/bulk-bags-liners/)
    - [Bulk Bag Poly Liners](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/products/bulk-bag-liners/bulk-bag-liners/)
    - [Hemp Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/hemp-fibc-bulk-bags/)
    - [Bulk Bag Filling Equipment](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/products/bulk-bag-filling-equipment/ibc3000-fibc-bulk-bag-filler/)
- [FOOD GRADE FIBCS](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/food-grade-bulk-bags/)
- [PRODUCE PACKAGING](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/) 
    - [Produce Packaging](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/)
    - [Mesh Produce Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/mesh-produce-bag/)
    - [Potato Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/potato-bag/)
    - [Burlap Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/burlap-bags/)
    - [Custom Poly Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/custom-poly-bags/)
    - [Woven Polypropylene Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/woven-polypropylene-bags/)
    - [Netting Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/netting-bags/)
    - [V-board](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/gaylord-box/vboard/)
    - [Gaylord Boxes](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/gaylord-box/)
- [BUYER TOOLS](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/national-bulk-bag-resources/) 
    - [Blog](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com) 
          - [Bulk Bags](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bags)
          - [Food Grade Bulk Bags](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/food-grade-bulk-bags)
          - [Bulk Bag Safety](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-safety)
          - [Bulk Bag Liners](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-liners)
          - [Bulk Bag Industries](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-industries)
          - [Bulk Bag Construction](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-construction)
          - [UN Certified Bulk Bags](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/un-certified-bulk-bags)
          - [Pharmaceutical Bulk Bags](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/pharmaceutical-bulk-bags)
    - [Bulk Bag Buyer Tools](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/national-bulk-bag-resources/)
    - [Bulk Bag Construction Options](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/bulk-bags/)
    - [Bulk Bag Safety](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/bulk-bag-safety/)
    - [Bulk Bag Liners](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-liners/)
    - [Custom Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/custom-bulk-bag-design/)
    - [Downloadable Resources](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/national-bulk-bag-downloadable-resources/)
    - [Types Of Bulk Bags A B C & D](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/types-of-fibc-bulk-bags-a-b-c-d-explained/)
    - [FAQ](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/faq/)
    - [Bulk Bag Glossary](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bag-glossary/)
    - [Bulk Bag Industries](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/bulk-bag-industries/)
    - [UN Certified Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/un-certified-bulk-bags/)
- [ABOUT](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/about-national-bulk-bag/) 
    - [About National Bulk Bag](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/about-national-bulk-bag/)
    - [Meet National Bulk Bag](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/about-national-bulk-bag/meet-national-bulk-bag/)
    - [Why Work With Us?](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/why-work-with-national-bulk-bag/)
    - [Worldwide Sourcing](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/worldwide-sourcing-of-fibc-bulk-bags/)
- [GET QUOTE](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/#book-a-demo-87520745-c6b8cd1f)

# Static Electricity in FIBCs: How to Avoid the Dangers of Storing Combustible Products

[![](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hubfs/Bulk-Bag-Static-Electricty-1.jpg)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bag-safety/static-electricity-in-fibcs-how-to-avoid-the-dangers-of-storing-combustible-products)

Updated: 4-21-2025

When bulk bags are filled and discharged, the movement of finely powdered substances can cause a buildup of static electricity. Properly managing this static electricity is crucial, especially when storing and transporting flammable and combustible products. Let's explore the different types of FIBC bulk bags and how they help mitigate these dangers

Let's examine each type of bag, define both safe and non-safe uses, and determine which types help mitigate the dangers of static electricity when storing and transporting flammable and combustible materials.

## Type A FIBC Bulk Bags

![type A FIBC bulk bags, bulk bag, National bulk bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bag%20diagram%20A.png?width=320&name=bag%20diagram%20A.png "type A FIBC bulk bags, bulk bag, National bulk bag")Type A bags are made of plain-woven polypropylene and other non-conductive fabrics. Static electricity is generated as products move over or rub against the inside surface of the bag when they are filled or discharged. Many organic materials and chemicals can form combustible clouds that can be ignited by electrostatic discharges from a type A bag.

It is important to remember that type A bags do NOT offer static protection and should NOT be used to store or transport flammable or combustible products.

### **Safe Uses for Type A Bags:**

- Transporting non-flammable products.
- No flammable solvents or gases around the bag.

### **Do Not Use Type A Bags for:**

- Transporting flammable products.
- When flammable solvents or gases are present around the bag.
- Should not be used where a flammable atmosphere with a minimum ignition energy ≤1,000mJ is present.

 

## ![Type B FIBC bulk bags, bulk bag, National Bulk Bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bag%20diagram%20B.png?width=320&name=bag%20diagram%20B.png "Type B FIBC bulk bags, bulk bag, National Bulk Bag")Type B FIBC Bulk Bags

Type B bags are similar to type A bags in that they are made of plain-woven polypropylene fabrics or other non-conductive material. Also like type A bags, type B do not have any mechanism for dissipating static electricity.

Type B bags are made from materials that have a low breakdown voltage to prevent incidents where highly energetic and dangerous propagating brush discharges (PBD) occur. Although type B bags can prevent PBD, they are still not considered anti-static because they do not have a mechanism to dissipate a static electricity charge. For a bag to be considered “anti-static”, bags must have a reliable mechanism for dissipating static electricity.

Aside from the risks of incendiary discharges, there are other consequences associated with not using an anti-static bag, such as a type B bag:

 

- They can cause electrostatic shocks to operators (although not dangerous, these shocks are very annoying and can cause other accidents).
- Dust and other contaminants can become attracted to the bag's surface.
- It is difficult to fully empty the bag. Static electricity can cause the product to become stuck to the side of the bags.

### **Safe Uses for Type B Bags:**

- Transporting non-flammable products.
- Environments with dust with ignition energies less than 3mJ.

### **Do Not Use Type B Bags**:

- When flammable solvents or gases are present around the bag.

 

## Type C FIBC bulk bags![Type C FIBC bulk bags, bulk bag, National Bulk Bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bag%20diagram%20C.png?width=320&name=bag%20diagram%20C.png "Type C FIBC bulk bags, bulk bag, National Bulk Bag")

Type C or conductive or groundable bags are made from non-conductive polypropylene fabrics interwoven with conducting threads. These threads must be connected to a designated ground during filling and emptying to safely dissipate static electricity.

As with any operation, ensuring that the type C bag is grounded properly is subject to human error. A proper connection to the designated ground during filling and discharging is imperative to safely using type C bags. 

### **Safe Use for Type C Bags:**

- To transport flammable powders.
- When flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dust are present.

### **Do Not Use Type C Bags:**

- When the ground connection is not present or damaged.
- Resistance from any location of the bag to the designated grounding point.

 

## **![Type D FIBC bulk bags, bulk bag, Crohmiq, National Bulk Bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bag%20diagram%20D.png?width=320&name=bag%20diagram%20D.png "Type D FIBC bulk bags, bulk bag, Crohmiq, National Bulk Bag")Type D FIBC bulk bags**

Type D bags are made from anti-static and static dissipative fabrics that safely prevent sparks and brush discharges without needing a ground connection. These bags contain quasi-conductive yarns that dissipate static electricity into the atmosphere.

Type D bags, such as Crohmiq™ bags, are manufactured with fabric containing quasi-conductive yarns that safely dissipate static electricity into the atmosphere (as seen in the diagram to the left) via safe, low-energy corona discharge. These quasi-conductive yarns in bags such as Crohmiq™ bags do not need to be interconnected. Using type D bags eliminates the possibility of human error associated with the manufacturing and use of groundable type C bags.

 

### **Safe Use for Type D Bags:**

- Transporting flammable powders.
- When flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dust are present.

### **Do Not Use Type D Bags:**

- When the bag's surface is contaminated with conductive materials like grease or flammable substances.

 

### Choosing The Right Bag for Your Application 

Although Type B bags have some anti-static properties, only Type C and Type D bags are truly safe for storing and transporting flammable and combustible materials. Type C bags require proper grounding, while Type D bags eliminate human error risk with special yarns that dissipate static electricity.

For more information on types of bags, visit the “**[Types of bags explained](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/types-of-fibc-bulk-bags-a-b-c-d-explained/)**” page by **[clicking here](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/types-of-fibc-bulk-bags-a-b-c-d-explained/)**. To speak with an expert to determine which type of bag is right for your application, [click here](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/get-quote/) to fill out the “Get Quote”  form or [just click here to chat with a bulk bag expert today! ](https://rapidpackaging.drift.click/nationalbulkbag)

 

---

 

### Thanks for reading!

![FIBC Safety Guide CTA Image - National Bulk Bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FIBC%20Safety%20Guide%20CTA%20Image%20-%20National%20Bulk%20Bag.png?width=275&name=FIBC%20Safety%20Guide%20CTA%20Image%20-%20National%20Bulk%20Bag.png)No matter who you purchase your bulk bags from, it's extremely important to take great care of your employees when using them. Within this guide, explore comprehensive safety information, best practices, and key safety tips. 

This safety guide is split up into four sections for your convenience: 

1. Bulk bag safety: 5:1 SWL vs. 6:1 SWL
2. Safely filling & discharging FIBCs
3. Safely lifting FIBCs with cranes, hoists, & forklifts
4. Safely storing empty and full FIBCs

Download the Official FIBC Bulk Bag Safety Guide by clicking the button below! 

[![ DOWNLOAD SAFETY GUIDE](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2567194/d7703705-716c-45d5-970a-95f6ea849b2e.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2567194/d7703705-716c-45d5-970a-95f6ea849b2e)

 By [Ryan Riedel](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/author/ryan-riedel)

 April 21, 2025

 Categories: [Bulk Bag Safety](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-safety)

[0 Comments](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bag-safety/static-electricity-in-fibcs-how-to-avoid-the-dangers-of-storing-combustible-products#comments-listing)

#### Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

#### About the Author: [Ryan Riedel](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/author/ryan-riedel)

![](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hubfs/RyanRiedel-Inside%20Sales-RapidPackaging.png)

Ryan Ridel is an Inside Sales Representative at Rapid Packaging/National Bulk Bag. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and will complete his Master’s degree in Business Administration this Fall. Inspired by his father, a Packaging Engineer, Ryan has immersed himself in the packaging industry. Outside of work, he is an avid traveler, hiker, and explorer of National Parks, having visited 23 National Parks and 31 states. Ryan also enjoys playing soccer, racing on a mountain bike team, and previously played college football and volleyball.

Search

### Blog Categories

- [Bulk Bags (62)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bags)
- [Bulk Bag Construction (27)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-construction)
- [Bulk Bag Industries (21)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-industries)
- [Food Grade Bulk Bags (18)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/food-grade-bulk-bags)
- [Produce Packaging (14)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/produce-packaging)
- [Bulk Bag Safety (11)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-safety)
- [Bulk Bag Liners (8)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-liners)
- [Dumpster Bag (6)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/dumpster-bag)
- [UN Certified Bulk Bags (5)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/un-certified-bulk-bags)
- [Pharmaceutical Bulk Bags (2)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/pharmaceutical-bulk-bags)
- [Agriculture Packaging Companies (1)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/agriculture-packaging-companies)
- [Burlap Bags (1)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/burlap-bags)
- [Grinding Media (1)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/grinding-media)
- [firewood bags (1)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/firewood-bags)

#### Browse our 50+ in-stock bulk bags

![Product Weight Guide and FIBC Volume Calculator](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hs-fs/hubfs/product%20weight%20+%20calc.png?width=320&name=product%20weight%20+%20calc.png "Product Weight Guide and FIBC Volume Calculator")

We stock one of the largest bulk bag inventories in the United States. Whether you are packing chemicals, food, minerals, resin, sand, soil or any dry flow-able product, we stock or can manufacture a bag to meet your requirements.

### Subscribe to our blog updates

![National Bulk Bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hubfs/NationalBulkBag-Dec2016/Image/LOGO-National-Bulk-Bag-white.png)

**National Bulk Bag** has over 75 different types of FIBCs in stock and a team of experts that are ready to help.

### Secondary Navigation

- [Blog](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/)
- [Privacy Policy](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/privacy-policy/)
- [FAQ](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/faq/)
- [Custom Bags](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/custom-bulk-bag-design/)
- [Get Quote](https://offers.nationalbulkbag.com/get-a-free-bulk-bag-quote)

- [Industries](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/bulk-bag-industries/)
- [In-Stock Bags](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/)
- [Why NBB?](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/why-work-with-national-bulk-bag/)
- [Meet NBB](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/about-national-bulk-bag/meet-national-bulk-bag/)
- [Bulk Bag Types](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/types-of-fibc-bulk-bags-a-b-c-d-explained/)

### AN AFFILIATE OF

[![](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rapid-logo-for-black-background.png)](https://www.rapidpackaging.com/)

### CONTACT US

Toll Free: 1-888-237-4224   
 Fax: 1-888-237-3722   
 Email: [info@nationalbulkbag.com](mailto:info@nationalbulkbag.com?Subject=National%20Bulk%20Bag%20Inquiry)

Copyright © 2018 National Bulk Bag | All rights reserved  
Powered by [Digital 1](http://www.digital1ne.com)

- <https://www.facebook.com/nationalbulkbag/>
- <https://plus.google.com/b/118323401551234122056/118323401551234122056>
- <http://www.linkedin.com/company/15256954>
- <https://twitter.com/nationalbulkbag>