Posted By Douglas oshea Can anyone help? I work for a training provider which has a carpeted computer training room approximately 60 foot by 60 foot which houses approximately 50 computers. Recently it has been brought to my attention that trainees and staff are receiving static electric shocks from metal items such as door handles etc. The carpet is short pile containing man made fibres. I have been advised by a carpet fitter to purchase pot plants to increase the humidity levels in the room. Does anybody have any experience of pot plants helping to reduce static electricity? Or can anyone offer other cost effective alternatives?

Posted By Ken Taylor It would be worth checking the relative humidity as humidification can help. 'Static' builds up as people interact with the fabric of their environment and strip off electrons - eg by abrading carpets. The ways to combat the problem will also include: reducing the likelihood of static build-up (treat or replace the carpet, wear suitable footwear, etc); enabling constant discharge to earth (introduce conductive flooring, etc); and removing good conductors from body contact (use wooden furniture, etc). Jane's system does, of course, work if you remember to employ it! When I arrive in the morning I touch the metal car park gate firmly with the palm of my hand rather than gently with finger tips. This discharges the static rather than allowing the current to jump across to the minute distance to the metal as my finger approachs with shocking consequences.

Posted By peter gotch Douglas, Similar problems have been discussed on the old forum and are archived there. My own contribution.... We have a similar problem in 2 of our offices, which have nylon carpets and numerous PCs. We had a problem with infestation, with staff being bitten, but our contract cleaners were unable to trace the source of the insects, though gaps at floor edges seemed suspect. We arranged for the offices to be fumigated on several occasions, but the problem recurred during dry warm spells, and resulted in two staff being hospitalised as a result of bites becoming infected. (We reported 1 @ major injury and 1 @ 3 day injury to Glasgow City Council within 10 days of each other) When these events occurred, we called in Rentokil for a second opinion. Taking into account the amount of insecticides which had by this time been applied, the installation of an insecticutor, etc, Rentokil almost immediately diagnosed 'Cable Bug' which they have to deal with in two offices each week in Glasgow City Centre during such weather conditions. Environmental Health were also aware of this. What had been happening was that the nylon carpets were breaking down. With the build up of static, tiny non-conductive carpet fibres were becoming charged, and would be attracted to/near other non-conductive materials, particularly tights and other nylon clothing. These particles would travel at high speed and pierce the skin, with the sensation of an insect bite. All that was needed thereafter to result in serious injury was for the victim to scratch and infect the miniature wound. Pending major refurbishment of these areas, we currently have Rentokil treating the areas affected with antistatic treatments on a monthly basis. This involves the removal of all loose paper etc, and spray treating walls and all horizontal surfaces! Incidentally this risk is one that treats people of opposite sexes on an unequal basis, as a result of typically differing clothing. Pot plants would help but whether they will be sufficient to deal with your situation is questionable. Peter

Posted By Robert Woods Mist a fine covering of dilute fabric conditioner on the carpet and your problem will be solved honest it works. Don't forget to COSHH assess it first though. Hope this helps Robert Woods.

Posted By Douglas oshea Thank you all for your great suggestions and help. I will try them out.