Rank: Forum user 
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Hi Everyone,
We have had some staff reporting strong static shocks from the office furniture recently. Nothing has changed with the fixtures and fittings but some desk moves have taken place. Staff who have moved recently are now reporting static shocks occurring at regular intervals whilst at their desks.
From what I was told the static shock was loud (heard by other team members) and painful for those affected.
I know that clothing, nylon carpets, footwear and chairs etc can all contribute to this but I would welcome others views on what may be causing this now and possible actions to resolve as it is not ideal for staff to be injuring this throughout the day.
I look forward to your views and experiences on this subject.
Thanks, DJ
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Rank: Super forum user 
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It's not down to the furniture it's their fault! ;)
Tell them to change their clothing, footwear etc. as it is them that is generating the static and causing themselves discomfort.
;) ;)
On a serious note.
What else has changed in the location?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Have you checked the relative humidity. I had this issue in a new office where carpets made partly from synthetic materials had been fitted. Measurement showed a low relative humidity and by raising this the problem of static was resolved.
Chris
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Rank: Forum user
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I agree with Chris. Increase the humidity level and the static shocks will be reduced considerably.
Graham
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Rank: Super forum user 
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David,
Do a search under my name - Barrie(Badger)Etter and static, we had similar problems and had a load of help from the members. No known problems since.
Badger
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Advise the staff to use a good amount of fabric softner in their wash. This will reduce static build up.
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Rank: Forum user
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I have experienced this with some of my staff - didn't really see it as a sensible health and safety issue - as no harm done. The advice here about humidity is really interesting - will have a look at that - thanks.
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Rank: Super forum user
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My first post was tongue in cheek, hence the smilesys.
Fabric softener, environmental humidity and a few other things can have an affect.
Has anything changed to have caused this, has the office been refurbished, these sensations, may, not be static.
It is important to get to the bottom of these things.
However, it is the people that are generating the static electricity, if, that is what they are feeling.
Can the discharge be heard?
That is important in deciding the source.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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When building computers my son wears a wrist band with a curly wire and connects with small crocodile clip to the metal cabinet. This takes the charge away.
A long time ago I read in the Fire magazine about a lady who created a static charge and spark when pulling down her tights to use thw toilet. This ignited some methane that was in the toilet bowl and it blew her off the toilet.
Please don't ask me for proof because I have looked before but it is a true story.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for all your response, some great feedback.
Paul, to your point, nothing has changes other than some desk being introduced (same as else were in building) and teams shuffling around as part of some recent desk moves.
I have had the electricians rule out any live electrical or arcing issues and suspected it was static. Always tricky to say to the staff thats its them but will go back to them with a light hearted approach.
and Yes, the discharge could be heard quite clearly one particular individuals colleagues.
Will look into the humidity piece further.
Thanks all.
DJ
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Rank: Forum user 
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One area I worked in for a while had a static problem, and as has been stated already, it was caused by the workers - mainly by sliding forward off the chairs, rather than standing up directly.
Earthing before standing also works - particularly when leaving a car seat at a petrol station for example. If you reach down and hold the sill of the car before stepping out, you are effectively discharging any static charge directly, rather than it arcing from you when you approach something metal (like the petrol pump...)
If there is a filing cabinet nearby, as has been suggested, touching it, should mean no arcing/static shocks.
HTH
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