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Facilitator’s
Guide
STATIC ELECTRICITY
 Copyright - All Rights Reserved
Static Electricity
CONTENTS
Introduction to the Facilitator’s Guide
3
Introduction to the Program
Static Electricity
4
Transcript of the Program
5
PART 1
What Is Static Electricity?
10
PART 2
Sources of Static Electricity in the Workplace
12
PART 3
Potential Hazards
13
PART 4
Controlling Static Electricity
14
PART 5
General Guidelines
16
Assessment
17
Answers
19
Page 2
INTRODUCTION TO THE FACILITATOR’S GUIDE
Static Electricity
The aim of this Facilitator’s Guide, when used in conjunction with the Video program,
is to provide the facilitator with discussion points important to the overall
development of the program and to allow participants the opportunity of discussing
the impact the program may have on current work practices and whether in fact
changes may be required.
The time allocated to the program will be determined by which areas are seen as
important to each Organisation, the time taken to develop the points made in the
program and whether other data specific to your own environment is included in
addition to, or instead of, the program examples.
EACH FACILITATOR SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE GUIDE DISCUSSION
NOTES SUGGESTED AND PREPARE THEIR OWN INPUT ACCORDINGLY.
The program transcript is included to allow your Organisation to fully research the
program content and develop specific examples critical to the performance of your
own workforce.
Where the Video program is made available to small or remote sections of your
Organisation, some other examples or discussion points may be preferred to suit the
needs of these people and if so, should be developed prior to distribution of the
program. Maximum benefit will then be obtained by your people.
All information included in the Facilitator’s Guide may be copied and distributed with
the exception of the transcript of the Video program. Any information which is copied
or distributed must only be used internally by the Organisation which purchased the
guide.
Page 3
INTRODUCTION TO THE VIDEO PROGRAM
Duration: 13 minutes
Static electricity poses a number of threats to safety, the most significant of which is
the potential for it to be a source of ignition for fires and explosions. Because static
electricity can occur whenever objects, substance or people move, it is a natural byproduct of many workplace processes.
This program aims to increase people’s awareness of static electricity and its
potential to result in serious accidents and injuries.
The program examines the potential hazards associated with static electricity, ways
to control static electricity, and a number of important safety precautions that should
be followed when working in flammable atmospheres.
The program looks at the following questions:





What is static electricity?
What are the common sources of static electricity in the workplace?
What are the potential hazards associated with static electricity?
How can static electricity be controlled?
What precautions should be followed?
The program is designed to provide people with a practical understanding of static
electricity and how it can be controlled, and is suitable for any work environment
where the presence of static electricity could pose a threat safety.
Page 4
TRANSCRIPT OF THE VIDEO PROGRAM
Static Electricity
© Copyright Safetycare. All rights reserved
We all have some knowledge of static electricity: those annoying, unexpected
shocks we experience when we’re getting out of a car or when we touch a door
handle after walking across a carpet.
For most of us static electricity is just a nuisance. But during some workplace
activities static electricity is a critical safety issue that must be addressed.
What is Static Electricity?
Static electricity is the electrical charge that forms when there is an excess of
positive or negative charges on an object’s surface.
All objects are made up of atoms. The centre of the atom, the nucleus, is made
up of tiny particles known as protons and neutrons. Smaller particles, known as
electrons, orbit the nucleus.
Protons are positively charged. Electrons are negatively charged, and neutrons
are neutral - that is, they have no electrical charge.
Normally, an atom has an equal number of protons and electrons. In this
balanced state the atom is neutral and has no electrical charge.
When two objects come in contact, electrons CAN move from one object to the
other, causing their atoms to become electrically imbalanced, and therefore
electrically charged. This electrical charge is what is known as static electricity.
Statically charged objects always try to restore their electrical balance so they
can become neutral again. If static charges aren’t discharged they can build up
on an object until they have enough energy to jump, in the form of a spark, to a
grounded or less highly charged object nearby. This restores the electrical
balance of the atoms, and the object becomes neutral again.
The spark that can often result from the build up of static electricity can be a
serious threat to safety.
Sources of Static Electricity in the Workplace
Static electricity can be generated whenever objects, substances or people
move…so it’s not surprising that static electricity is a common by-product of many
workplace activities and processes.
Page 5
Including:





the use of conveyor belts, rollers and pulleys
the movement of substances through pipes and chutes
processes involving spraying, coating, blending or mixing
the wearing of synthetic or wool clothing, and
walking on non-conductive flooring surfaces, most commonly, nylon
carpets.
The movement of liquids is another common source of static electricity in the
workplace.
Whether they are flowing through pipes, being mixed, pumped, filtered, agitated
or poured from one container to another, ALL liquids in motion have the potential
to produce static electricity.
Potential Hazards
There are a number of potential hazards associated with static electricity in the
workplace. Including:




sudden, unexpected shocks that can lead to involuntary muscle
contractions and reflex actions
handling problems, resulting from unwanted adhesion or repulsion of
materials
false readings in electronic devices, and
damage to electronic circuitry.
BUT by far the most serious hazard associated with static electricity is the
potential for it to be a source of ignition for fires and explosions. In the vicinity of
flammable vapours, gases, powders or dusts, a single static spark can have
devastating consequences.
For static electricity to cause a fire or an explosion four conditions need to be
present at the same time.




First, static charges must build up
Second, these charges must possess what is called a minimum ignition
energy or MIE. That is, they must be able to cause a spark
The spark itself must then have enough energy to ignite the flammable
substance in its vicinity. And finally,
the environment must be flammable. Flammable vapours, gases, dusts or
powders must be present in a flammable fuel-to-air ratio.
Page 6
Control Measures
As we already know the build up of static charges can lead to a number of
hazards. So, it follows that the aim of most control measures is to prevent the
build up of static charges or alternatively to provide a safe way for them to be
dissipated before they can result in a spark.
Control measures for static electricity can be categorised into two groups:


ones that could be grouped under the heading of workplace engineering
controls and,
ones that should be included as part of safe work procedures
Many workplaces use specialised equipment to aid in the control of static
charges. These include various types of electrostatic neutralisers, … including
high-voltage and induction neutralisers, … static collectors, and humidification
equipment.
However, these engineering controls should not be relied on to control static
electricity, especially in flammable environments. These control measures work
best when they are used in conjunction with other suitable control measures
which are incorporated into safe work procedures.
As most of the serious accidents and injuries that are caused by static electricity
result from sparks igniting flammable vapours it is particularly important to
consider the use of flammable liquids. Flammable solvents, some with low flash
points, and fuels are common in many workplaces.
As we already know the movement of liquids can produce significant amounts of
static electricity. Everyone also knows that electricity travels well through objects
that we call conductors and does not travel well, if at all, through insulators.
This simple fact provides us with the main principle of how we control static
problems in the workplace, and in particular how we deal with flammable liquids.
What we are trying to avoid is the build up of static charges. Static electricity is,
in simple terms, high voltage electricity waiting for an opportunity to discharge.
If this static electricity is contained, for example, with a flammable liquid inside a
non-conductive plastic container, it has no easy means of dissipating.
If the same flammable liquid is inside a metal or conductive container and that
container is on the ground, the static can pass easily through the metal container
and dissipate into the ground.
This simple principle of creating a path for electricity to flow through conductors is
how static electricity can be effectively managed and is the principle behind what
is commonly referred to as bonding and grounding.
Page 7
Bonding involves the creation of an electrical connection between two or more
conductive objects, using a conducting wire or strip.
Objects that have been bonded all share the same electrical charge, which
means there is no electrical imbalance between them, so sparks can NOT occur
between bonded objects. Bonding however, does not eliminate the static charge.
As well as being used to connect containers, bonding can also be used to
connect sections of plant and equipment so that static charges in those sections
can be equalised.
Like bonding, grounding, also involves the electrical connection of objects. But, in
the case of grounding, the connection runs from an object to the ground. Unlike
bonding, grounding drains the static charges away as they are produced,
eliminating the chance of sparking.
Grounding works because it obeys the basic rule of electricity that states that
electricity will always try to travel to the ground. If static electricity is given the
chance to travel through conductors that are in contact with the ground it will
dissipate.
In many situations both bonding and grounding must be used together, for
example when dispensing a highly flammable liquid from a main drum to a
receiving container.
It is important that bonding and grounding connections are always made with
appropriate materials, and they are attached by soldering, welding, or suitable
screws, clamps or clips.
In some environments it may also be necessary to bond or ground personnel.
This can be done using special anti-static wrist straps or flexible leads.
There are many different situations when bonding and grounding procedures
should be used. It is important to strictly adhere to any bonding or grounding
steps that are included in established safe work procedures.
Included in many safe work procedures you will also find steps based on the
following general guidelines for dealing with static hazards.
General Guidelines
When pouring flammable liquids, always pour them slowly. The faster a
substance flows the greater the chance that static charges will build up.
Consideration should also be given to the use of anti-static additives. These will
act to increase a liquid’s conductivity, lower its resistance, and enable charges to
pass more easily through the container.
Page 8
Liquids, gases, dusts or powders that are being transferred, discharged,
decanted, or processed all have the potential to generate static charges. Again,
consideration should be given to the speed or velocity of these activities.
Nozzles that are used should be made of conductive materials and in some cases
may need to be bonded or grounded.
Generally, objects nearby or directly involved with processes that include the
movement of liquids, gases, dusts or powders should be made from conductive
materials and be grounded.
In areas where static is a potential hazard both work surfaces and floor surfaces
should be made from conductive materials, such as metal, conductive plastic,
conductive rubber, untreated wood and unpainted concrete.
Surfaces should be kept clean and free of oils, resins, waxes and other
substances that can reduce their conductivity.
Clothing is another area that may need to be addressed. Clothing made from
wool, silk and synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon can store electrical
charges and can lead to sparking.
In situations where this could pose a serious threat, linen or cotton garments
should be worn.
In some cases polyester and cotton blends can be worn but the suitability of
clothing should be checked before entering any environment where it could be
hazardous.
Likewise, footwear should be conductive to prevent the build up of static charges.
AND both clothing and footwear should be kept as clean as possible as dirt will tend
to reduce their conductivity.
Whenever objects, substances or people move, there is the potential for static
electricity to be produced.
Fortunately, in the vast majority of situations where static electricity is produced it
does not pose a threat to health and safety.
The key to dealing with potentially hazardous situations that involve static
electricity is simply to follow safe work procedures. Everyone working in or
nearby any area where static may be a threat must be fully informed of the
potential dangers and be aware of all relevant safe work practices and
procedures.
Because static electricity is readily produced and is an invisible hazard it can
easily be overlooked.
Static electricity can never be eliminated but properly managed it can be effectively
controlled
Page 9
PART ONE
WHAT IS STATIC ELECTRICITY?
ANSWER:
Simply put, static electricity is the electrical charge
that forms when there is an excess of positive or
negative charges on an object’s surfaces.
Unlike electricity which is generated and travels in circuits as current, static
electricity does NOT possess a current – that’s why it’s known as static.
All objects are made up of atoms. The centre of the atom, known as the nucleus,
contains tiny particles called protons and neutrons. Smaller particles, known as
electrons orbit the nucleus.
Each part of the atom is differently charged. Protons are positively (+) charged.
Electrons are negatively (-) charged, and neutrons are neutral, that is, they have no
electrical charge.
In their normal state atoms have an equal number of protons and electrons. This
creates a balanced state in which the atoms are neutral – that is, they do not have an
electrical charge.
For an atom to become charged it has to either gain or lose electrons. This disrupts
the atom’s balance, leaving it with an electrical, or static charge. When two objects
come into contact electrons from one object move to the other object, causing their
atoms to become electrically imbalanced, and therefore charged.
When an atom gains electrons it becomes negatively charged. When it loses
electrons it becomes positively charged. So, instead of being neutral the atom now
has an electrical charge, which is either positive or negative. This electrical charge is
known as static electricity.
Once an object becomes statically charged it will try to restore it’s electrical balance
and become neutral again. When static charges aren’t discharged they will build up
on an objects surface until they have enough energy to jump in the form of a spark to
a less highly charged or grounded object nearby. This process restores the electrical
balance of the object making it neutral again.
Page 10
DISCUSSION
List some situations where you have seen or experienced static electricity.
In your immediate environment, try to generate static electricity.
What evidence is there to indicate that static electricity has been produced?
Page 11
PART TWO
SOURCES OF STATIC ELECTRICITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Static electricity is easily produced. It can be generated whenever objects,
substances or people move. It follows then, that many workplace processes and
activities can be sources of static electricity.
Within the work environment, static electricity can be generated from a number of
sources. Some of these include:





Conveyor belts, rollers and pulleys
The movement of substances through pipes and shoots
Processes that involve spraying, coating, blending or mixing
Synthetic or wool clothing
Non-conductive flooring surfaces, especially nylon carpets
Static electricity can also be generated by liquids in motion. Liquids moving
through pipes, being mixed, pumped, filtered, agitated or poured from one
container to another all have the potential to produce static electricity.
DISCUSSION
Make a list of materials that produce static electricity easily.
Make a list of materials that don’t produce static electricity easily.
What conditions are conducive to the generation of static electricity?
(e.g. dry, humid, windy, cold etc.)
Page 12
PART THREE
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
There are a number of potential hazards associated with static electricity in the
workplace.
Some of the most common hazards are:
 Sudden and unexpected shocks that can lead to involuntary muscle
contractions and reflex actions
 Handling problems resulting from unwanted adhesion or repulsion of
materials
 False readings in electronic devices
 Damage to electronic circuitry
The MOST SERIOUS hazard associated with static electricity however, is the
potential for it to be a source of ignition for FIRES and EXPLOSIONS.
When a single static spark occurs in the vicinity of flammable vapours, gases,
powders or dusts it can have devastating consequences. For static electricity to
cause a fire or an explosion FOUR condition must be present simultaneously:
1. Static charges must build up.
2. These static charges must possess a minimum ignition energy or
MIE. That is, they must be able to produce a spark.
3. The spark itself must have enough energy to ignite the
flammable substance in its vicinity.
4. The environment must be flammable.
DISCUSSION
Has anyone experienced a fire or explosion caused by static electricity?
Discuss the circumstances in which it occurred.
Page 13
PART FOUR
CONTROLLING STATIC ELECTRICITY
The aim of most control measures is to prevent the build up of static charges or
alternatively to provide a safe way for them to dissipate before they can result in a
spark.
Specialised equipment, such as electrostatic neutralisers, static collectors, and
humidification equipment can be used to control static electricity. However, these
engineering controls should not be relied on as the only means of controlling static
electricity, especially in flammable environments. These kinds of control measures
work best when they are used in conjunction with other suitable control measures
which are included as safe work procedures.
As we know, electricity travels well through objects known as conductors and
does not travel well, if at all, through insulators. This simple fact underlies the
central principle used in controlling static electricity, and in particular in the
prevention of static electricity causing fires and explosions.
As we have already said, the aim is to prevent static charges from building up. To do
this, static charges must be able to dissipate. This can be done by using conductive,
rather than non-conductive materials.
For example, if flammable liquids are stored in conductive containers that are placed
on the ground, static charges are able to dissipate and ground themselves, thereby
removing the risk of ignition.
Creating a path along which static charges can flow is the principle behind what is
known as bonding and grounding.
BONDING AND GROUNDING
Bonding involves the creation of an electrical connection between two or more
conductive objects, using a conducting wire or strip.
Bonded objects all share the same electrical charge. This means there is no
electrical imbalance between them, so sparks can not occur. It must be remembered
however, that bonding does not eliminate the static charge.
Grounding also involves the electrical connection of objects. In the case of
grounding however, the connection runs from an object to the ground. Grounding,
unlike bonding, drains static charges away as they are produced, thereby eliminating
the chance of sparking.
If static electricity is given the opportunity to travel through conductors that
are in contact with the ground, then it will dissipate.
Page 14
In many situations bonding and grounding must be used together. For example,
when dispensing highly flammable liquid from a main drum to a container.
Bonding and grounding connections should always be made using appropriate
materials.
Bonding and grounding connections should always be attached by soldering,
welding, or by using suitable screws, clamps, or clips.
Personnel can also be bonded and grounded by using special anti-static wrist
straps or flexible leads.
DISCUSSION
List some control measure currently used in your work environment to control
static electricity.
Explain how they work.
Page 15
PART 5: GENERAL GUIDELINES
Below are some general guidelines that should be followed when dealing with static
hazards.
 When pouring flammable liquids, always pour them slowly. The faster a
substance flows the greater the chance that static charges will build up.
 Using anti-static additives will act to increase a liquid’s conductivity, lower
its resistance, and enable charges to pass more easily through the
container.
 Consideration should be given to the speed or velocity of liquids, gases,
dusts or powders that are being transferred, discharged, decanted, or
processed as they have the potential to generate static charges.
 Nozzles should be made of conductive materials and in some cases may need
to be bonded or grounded.
 Objects nearby or directly involved with processes that include the
movement of liquids, gases, dusts or powders should be made from
conductive materials and be should be grounded.
 In areas where static is a potential hazard work surfaces and floor surfaces
should be made from conductive materials, such as metal, conductive
plastic, conductive rubber, untreated wood and unpainted concrete.
 Surfaces should be kept clean and free of oils, resins, waxes and other
substances that can reduce their conductivity.
 Clothing made from wool, silk and synthetic fibres such as polyester and
nylon can store electrical charges and can lead to sparking and therefore
should be avoided. Instead, linen or cotton garments should be worn.
 In some cases polyester and cotton blends may be worn but the suitability
of clothing should be checked before entering any environment where it
could be hazardous.
 Footwear should be conductive to prevent the build up of static charges.
 Clothing and footwear should be kept as clean as possible as dirt will tend to
reduce their conductivity.
The key to dealing with potentially hazardous situations that involve static
electricity is simply to follow safe work procedures. Everyone working in or
nearby any area where static may be a threat must be fully informed of its
potential dangers and be aware of all relevant safe work practices and
procedures.
Static electricity can never be eliminated but properly managed it can be effectively
controlled.
Page 16
ASSESSMENT – STATIC ELECTRICITY
Name: ……………………………………………
Date: …………………………………………….
I.D. (if applicable): …………………………………
Score
___________________________________________________________________
1. Static electricity builds up when there is an excess of positive or
negative ____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Liquids
Friction
Charges
Sparks
2. Static charges can result in a spark if they are not ____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Positive
Filtered
Unexpected
Discharged
3. Which of these is not a potential source of static electricity?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Walking on nylon carpets
Moving goods on a conveyor belt
Stacks of boxes
Pumping petrol
4. Static electricity is formed when ___.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Objects move
Substances move
People move
All of the above
Page 17
5. What is the most serious potential hazard associated with static
electricity?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Fires and explosions
Unexpected shocks
Manual handling problems
Respiratory problems
6. For static electricity to cause a fire or explosion, the environment
must be ____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Clean
Hot
Flammable
Outdoors
7. Electricity travels well through what?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Insulators
Conductors
Electrons
Plastics
8. Static electricity can be effectively managed through ____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Personal protective equipment
Bonding and grounding
Electrocution
Manual handling
9. Electricity will always try to ____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Travel to the ground
Cause sparks
Electrocute you
Power machinery
10. Flammable liquids should always be poured ____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Fast
Into plastic
Onto the ground
Slowly
Page 18
ANSWERS TO ASSESSMENT
1. c) Charges.
2. d) Discharged.
3. c) Stacks of boxes.
4. d) All of the above.
5. a) Fires and explosions.
6. c) Flammable.
7. b) Conductors.
8. b) Bonding and grounding.
9. a) Travel to the ground.
10. d) Slowly.
Page 19