In the industrial world, hoses are more than just connectors—they’re lifelines. Whether transferring water, slurry, fuel, or chemicals, hoses are essential to safe and efficient operations. But in certain environments, one often-overlooked hazard can turn a routine job into a dangerous one: static electricity.
At Fox Global, we regularly supply hoses for mining, construction, hydrovac excavation, oil and gas, and other high-risk industries across Australia. In these industries, anti-static (or static dissipating) hoses are not just recommended—they are critical.
This article explores what “anti-static” really means, how static electricity builds in hose systems, the dangers it presents, and how anti-static hoses are designed. We’ll also share examples of how these hoses are used in industrial service projects such as hydrovac operations.
1. What Does “Anti-Static” Mean?
Anti-static hoses are engineered to prevent the dangerous accumulation of electrical charges on their surfaces or within their transported media.
Static electricity builds up when:
- Fluids or dry materials move at high speed through a hose (the “triboelectric effect”).
- Hose walls act as insulators, trapping charges instead of releasing them.
- Friction from particles (such as sand, dust, or powders) intensifies charge separation.
If these charges are not dissipated, they can suddenly discharge—causing:
- Sparks: Capable of igniting flammable vapours, gases, or dust.
- Electrical shocks: Hazardous to workers handling hoses.
- Damage to equipment: Static discharges can impact sensors, pumps, or electronics.
An anti-static hose ensures the charge is safely dissipated, either by grounding through conductive materials in the hose wall/liner or via built-in grounding wires.
2. Why Static Is Dangerous in Industry
Industrial service projects frequently involve fluids or materials that are flammable, volatile, or dusty. For example:
- Fuel transfer hoses moving petrol, diesel, or solvents.
- Hydrovac hoses carrying slurry, water, and debris with high flow rates.
- Powder transfer hoses moving cement, grain, or chemical powders.
In these cases, the presence of a static spark could trigger an explosion or fire. Even in non-flammable environments, shocks can startle operators, leading to accidents.
The Australian workplace safety environment is increasingly focused on risk mitigation, and using the wrong hose in static-prone applications is a risk not worth taking.
3. Hose Design & Materials: How Anti-Static Works
Anti-static hoses incorporate materials and construction techniques that reduce or dissipate static charges:
- Conductive liners: Made from carbon-filled rubber or thermoplastic materials that allow charge to pass through.
- Embedded grounding wires: Metallic wires built into the hose wall can be clamped to earth ground, ensuring continuous discharge.
- Static-dissipating polymers: Certain compounds allow slow, controlled release of charges rather than abrupt discharges.
Common design choices include:
- Rubber anti-static hoses: Durable, abrasion-resistant, used in slurry or petroleum transfer.
- PVC anti-static hoses: Lighter weight, often used in dust or powder extraction.
- Composite hoses: Multi-layer constructions offering chemical resistance and static dissipation for fuels and solvents.
4. Example: Hydrovac & Industrial Services
Hydrovac excavation is a growing service in Australia. These trucks use high-pressure water and vacuum hoses to dig safely around utilities, pipes, and underground services.
Without anti-static protection, these hoses would be at risk:
- The combination of high-speed air, water, and debris creates ideal conditions for static buildup.
- Operators are in close contact with hoses, increasing the risk of shock.
- Urban environments may contain flammable gases near excavation sites.
By using anti-static hoses, hydrovac contractors ensure both worker safety and compliance with regulations.
Similarly, in industrial cleaning and service projects, anti-static hoses are vital for safely vacuuming combustible dust, transferring chemicals, or cleaning tanks.
5. Key Applications of Anti-Static Hoses
- Fuel & chemical transfer – Preventing sparks during petrol, diesel, kerosene, or solvent movement.
- Dust & powder extraction – Safe removal of cement, flour, sugar, or grain dust.
- Hydrovac excavation – Protecting operators during debris transfer.
- Mining & quarrying – Handling slurry, dust, or water in static-prone areas.
- Industrial services – Cleaning tanks, transferring wastewater, or working near volatile environments.
6. Strengths & Limitations
Strengths:
- Reduces fire and explosion risks.
- Protects workers from shocks.
- Complies with safety standards.
- Available in a range of constructions to suit different fluids and pressures.
Limitations:
- Higher cost compared to non-anti-static hoses.
- Must be correctly grounded to function.
- Some designs can be heavier or less flexible.
At Fox Global, we help clients weigh these factors against their operational needs to select the safest and most cost-effective solution.
7. Industry Standards & Safety
Anti-static hoses are tested to international and Australian standards. Depending on application, hoses may need certification for:
- Electrical resistance within specific limits.
- Chemical compatibility with transferred media.
- Pressure rating and durability.
Fox Global works with manufacturers that comply with standards such as EN ISO 8031 (electrical properties of hoses) and relevant AS/NZS safety requirements.
8. Real-World Case Study
A Fox Global client in the oil and gas sector needed hoses for transferring recovered hydrocarbons during site clean-up. Standard hoses posed a risk due to the presence of vapours.
By supplying composite anti-static hoses with grounding wires, Fox Global enabled safe operations. The hoses performed reliably, with minimal downtime, and the client reported improved confidence in both compliance and worker safety.
9. Choosing the Right Anti-Static Hose
When specifying an anti-static hose, consider:
- Fluid type – Is it flammable, dusty, or volatile?
- Operating environment – Indoor/outdoor, temperature extremes, proximity to ignition sources.
- Pressure & flow rate – Ensure hose rating exceeds pump/system requirements.
- Abrasion & handling – Will the hose be dragged across surfaces or need frequent relocation?
- Compliance needs – Industry standards, insurance requirements, or regulatory audits.
Fox Global’s team works closely with clients to assess all these factors before recommending a hose solution.
10. Why Fox Global?
Fox Global is a family-owned and operated Australian business, committed to supplying reliable, safe, and high-quality hose solutions.
- Expertise across industries: Mining, construction, transport, oil & gas, and hydrovac.
- Custom assemblies: Hoses supplied with fittings, grounding wires, or specialty liners.
- Local knowledge: We understand the challenges of Australian worksites.
- Nationwide support: Fast delivery and responsive technical support.
11. Contact Fox Global
If your project involves fuels, powders, hydrovac excavation, or industrial services, don’t risk static hazards.
📞 Call us on 1300 852 795
📧 Email: sales@foxglobal.com.au
🌐 Visit: foxglobal.com.au
Fox Global—proudly Australian, proudly family-owned.
