Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Tyler on 02/03/2009 13:30:01

Title: Why are some people prone to pick up static?
Post by: Tyler on 02/03/2009 13:30:01

Tyler asked the Naked Scientists:
   
One of my colleagues at work is having a problem regarding static electricity. When he walks around a bit in one of the carpeted rooms, his trousers become charged and bits of the carpet are sticking to them. Sometimes he even gets shocks when touching metal objects. Is there any way that he can avoid this short of buying an anti-static spray?

What do you think?

Title: Why are some people prone to pick up static?
Post by: Vern on 02/03/2009 15:09:48

About the only thing one can do is to become a better conductor of electricity. We use grounding straps in the electronics industry and the workers ground themselves to common ground so they don't damage electronic components.

Title: Why are some people prone to pick up static?
Post by: syhprum on 02/03/2009 15:33:33

It is not actual persons that generate static electricity but their clothing, he should try different shoes etc,
When I used to work on static sensitive electronics I always used to work barefoot with no nylon or plastic jacket, if you are a long way from spares or the electronics are to used somewhere inaccessible it is better to be safe than sorry.