Static electricity - friend or foe

Abstract

Static electricity is a potential ignition source in hazardous areas. This paper introduces a systematic approach to identifying hazards attributable to static electricity. It explains how and where static electricity is generated, and gives guidance on how to control its effects and reduce the risk of ignition. The topics covered include: flammable atmospheres; charge generation; charge accumulation in liquids, isolated conductors, high resistivity solid items and insulating sheets; and electrostatic discharges including spark, corona, brush, cone and lightning discharges.