Posted By Sovay Shaw
Dear H&S Colleagues

Following yet another 'shocking' experience whilst trundling my trolley round a very large supermarket yesterday, can I ask for some help in surviving the next visit? I have waded my way through the 'Search' facility on this subject.

Is there anyone out there who is actually involved in research etc. relating to supermarket trolley use? Please don't tell me how/why it happens - I've done my research - just tell me how to stop it!

When I enquired what they were doing to reduce the problem, the supermarket said "It isn't a h&s issue" and frankly, they couldn't be bothered with it. It's easy to pick out fellow sufferers by the curious dance we perform. A crack, a yelp of pain, a leap backwards with hands waving wildly in the air, (surely that in itself must constitute a risk to others?), followed by a faintly embarrassed look as we slink off to safer areas.

Any comments? (Internet shopping and let their staff get the shocks!)

Sovay

Posted By holmezy


Sovay,

not sure how to stop it. Perhaps an anti static chain that trails under the trolley like you used to see on hospital beds?

I know its no comfort to you and fellow sufferers......but it is funny to see whilst trying to break the monotony of being dragged around the supermarket.

Holmezy

Posted By Margaret Baxter
Static electricity is a H&S issue for cochlear implant users (there are an increasing number of deaf children, and adults, who are being implanted with these now) as it can occasionally damage the internal parts of the device as well as corrupting the programs on the speech processor. Good luck with your quest!

Posted By Sovay Shaw
Interesting comments.

I like the idea of the spectator sport (but only as a spectator). As to footwear, I'm an average woman - do I have to change into special 'safety shoes' to do my shopping and if PPE is required, shouldn't there be safety signs at the site entrance?

As to the safety aspect, my husband has a pacemaker, so I'm a tad concerned that he might be affected,(even more than seeing the bill at the checkout!) So should all trolleys be fitted with some sort of earthing device as it affects so many people? (I counted 5 more on this one short trip).

Keep it coming.
Sovay

Posted By Andy Brazier
Google of 'cochlear implant static' came up with this

'Static electricity is occasionally a problem when handling a Cochlear Implant. Most implants are protected from static electricity damage but it is best to avoid a problem if you can.'

from http://www.cornwall.gov....ndex.cfm?articleid=13722

Seems it is only a problem when the static discharge is directly through some part of the implant, so not when gets a shock when touching a trolley.

I doubt there would be any problem with a pacemaker. Being an internal device I can't see how it would see the charge. Also, it is a very well known phenomenon and pacemakers would be designed accordingly.

Finally, you miss the point. If you are getting the charge, the trolley is providing the earth. Earthing the trolley as suggested may make it even worse.

I do not believe this is a health and safety issue.

Posted By Dean Stevens

Sovay

I'm glad you have raised this issue, my local supermarket has recently undergone a major refurbishment which included the opening of a second level (access gained by sloped elevator), the second level comprises of a laminate type flooring.

I constantly receive Static electric shocks whilst i am pushing the trolley around on this level, the shocks are received whilst i am touching the trolley and i have rubber soled shoes on to. The shocks are not really a hazard for myself as i am a fairly fit young chap, but i cannot recall seeing any signage for people that have pacemakers etc.

I must admit though that i haven't actually reported the shocks to the supermarket in question, this is very hypocritical of me as i am constantly badgering our work force to report, hazards, near misses etc. I think i will send them a letter now.

The elevated slope can also cause problems, the trolleys are fitted with some kind of magnetic lock that locks the trolley to the escalator to prevent the trolley from careering down the elevators, however i have found problems with this too, including trolleys that don't lock correctly, luckily for me my trolley has been near empty when this has happened to me but the thought of a fully loaded trolley careering down the elevator into pedestrians is frightening. Has anyone else experienced problems with these? (sorry to change subject, but whilst we are on supermarkets......)

PS if anyone has a solution for stopping these shocks please let us know.

Many Thanks

Dean

Posted By Ron Hunter
In the interest of self-preservation , I recommend wearing gloves (leather/driving type are best). You may well still receive a shock, but the potential charge will be much reduced.Won't stop the static, but will protect you!
Earthing straps on the trolleys would probably solve it for everyone. Keep complaining to customer services, encourage others to do the same.
Static IS a health and safety issue, at least in a workplace context. Imagine if you will knowing that you are going to receive an electric shock every time you touch a metal filing cabinet.........the psychological effects are significant.

Posted By Crim
I remember reading in the old Fire Magazine (during the 1990's I think it was), about a woman who went to the loo and when she pulled down her tights there was a static spark which ignited methane in the toilet. She received superficial burns!

Please be careful if you visit the supermarket toilet as it may be you who is creating the static due to your clothing/footwear and the floor covering?.

Posted By David A Cooper
Sad though this may sound my MSc dissertation researched accidents on escalators involving trolleys! During my literature search I came across an HSE document ref HS(G)84 of safe systems for trolleys. You might find something in it re static!

Posted By Doug Russell
Even more sad, I still have a copy of HSG84. Its been out of print for some time. It is silent on the issue of static electricity and is mainly concerned with accidents and handling. The guidance was produced after the death of a child who was trapped in a trolley that over-turned

Posted By Bob Baynes
Simple. Before entering the supermarket take a firm grasp of a bare metal part of the trolley and do not let go until you are outside again. You are now earthed all the time preventing the static from building up. Can cause some strange contortions when selecting some items but as long as one hand or the other is still in contact with the bare metal it does work!

Posted By Bob Thompson CMIOSH
pace makers can too be affected by static