Hi all,

Hoping someone can provide me with some lay-man advice on preventing electrostatic discharge. My organisation has several pieces of equipment which inherently create a risk of electrostatic discharge. This is due to the materials being used and the friction of the materials on the equipment. I'm not an expert by any means so there are probably other causes of the electrostatic discharge. Also, just to add I believe the anti-static discharge is from the machine to the person, and not vice-versa.

The machine is earthed, and there is also tinsel retrofitted to discharge static at certain areas however it has not stopped the electrostatic discharge from occurring.

I suppose my questions are:

1) Would anti-static safety shoes prevent (or further mitigate) the electrostatic discharge risk?

2) Would an anti-static mat prevent (or further mitigate) the electrostatic discharge risk?

3) Would further earthing of the machine prevent (or further mitigate) the electrostatic discharge risk?

4) Are there any actions that anyone would take (or have taken) to prevent or mitigate risks from electrostatic discharge (except from changing machines or materials)?

Cheers,

Craig

Thanks John for your message,

Really good points you make there. I take on your points re. anti-static footwear and mats, that was my initial thoughts but I wasn't sure.

I am pretty sure it is discharge from the machine to the person as it's more prevalent when different materials run.

I'll have a look out to see if I can find anyone who can support in electrostatic discharge management.

Thanks,

Craig