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CraigKing1  
#1 Posted : 26 September 2024 07:40:00(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
CraigKing1

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

John D C  
#2 Posted : 26 September 2024 13:31:37(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
John D C

Sometime in the past I worked in Chemicals and electrostatic risks were a big problem for us. Lots of bonding on machines and pipework.but even this could be defeated by the speed of product through pipework. We controlled that speed by sizing the pipework but this was once overridden by a shift manager putting top pressure on a reactor. Consequently we had a discharge at tbe end of tbe pipework which ignited the flammable liquid. Anti static shoes and mats stop the build up on a person so if the problem is from machine to operator they will not help you. Are you sure that tbe discharge is from tbe machine and not the other way round. We were lucky in that we had access to a specialist as the company product made at another site was very prone to being ruined by static. I think you might want to consider getting advice from someone who specilises in static management.
CraigKing1  
#3 Posted : 26 September 2024 14:25:05(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
CraigKing1

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

stevedm  
#4 Posted : 02 October 2024 08:46:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stevedm

https://www.studiecd.dk/cahiers_techniques/emc_electromagnetic_compatibility.pdf

https://www.emcstandards.co.uk/handbook-on-en-61000-4-2-personnel-electrostat

You may find these useful...

CraigKing1  
#5 Posted : 02 October 2024 09:22:05(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
CraigKing1

Thanks stevedm,

I will have a read through these.

Cheers,

Craig

thanks 1 user thanked CraigKing1 for this useful post.
stevedm on 02/10/2024(UTC)
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