Static Electricity

What is Static Electricity?

Everything we see is made up of tiny little parts called atoms . atoms are made of even smaller parts. These are called protons have positive (+) charge & Electrons have a negative (-) charge. Usually, atoms have the same number of electrons and protons. Then the atom has no charge, it is "neutral." But if you rub things together, electrons can move from one atom to another. Some atoms get extra electrons. They have a negative charge. Other atoms lose electrons. They have a positive charge.

When charges are separated like this, it is called static electricity.

Description of static electricity

Static electricity is the accumulation of electrical charges on the surface of a material, usually an insulator or non-conductor of electricity. It is called "static" because there is no current flowing, as there is in alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) electricity.

Typically, two materials are involved in static electricity, with one having an excess of electrons or negative (−) charges on its surface and the other material having an excess of positive (+) electrical charges. Atoms near the surface of a material that have lost one or more electrons will have a positive (+) electrical charge.

Negative (-) charges collect on PCV pipe surface

If one of the materials is an electrical conductor that is grounded, its charges will drain off immediately, leaving the other material still charged.

Hazards of Static Electricity: Bukom Fire Incident

Point to Remember : 

Static Electricity   à   Sparks   à   Fire

(It all begins with a small spark !! )

To mitigate the risk of Static Electricity

Always ensure proper grounding to your body & all the objectives you’re using prior get in contact with any hydrocarbons or flammable atmosphere.

Hazards of Static Electricity Mitigation Measures