Hazards of Static Electricity

Whenever we have the movement of objects or the flow of fluids, we are in danger of building up a static charge. If the charge becomes too great then it may jump between conductors creating a . This is called .

If the spark/arc is near something then this can ignite it. This principle is used in lighting gas hobs.

To prevent the charge building up, objects should be earthed. This consists of a conductor connecting the object to . Any build up of charge can then flow there without causing a .

Examples of hazards include:

• Flour flowing through ducts in a mill
• Refueling an aircraft
• Saw dust flowing through a extraction system
• grain flowing through a chute
• fuel flowing through a pipe
• paper passing through rollers