An overview on static electricity

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, governmental and independent agencies with an overview on static electricity.

Design/methodology/approach

Static electricity has been studied by researchers, academicians, company specialists, governmental and independent agencies. Static electricity incidents have been collected from several sources such as the technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. The static electricity definition, incidents, hazards, and static electricity prevention have been reviewed. The static electricity incidents have been arranged and classified into fire, and explosions.

Findings

Static electricity can be the cause of problems in many areas of industry. It presents a source of ignition for flammable gases, liquids and powders. It can cause fires and explosions in tankers, aircraft and petrochemical plant and in printing, pharmaceutical, food products and explosives industries.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview on static electricity, the incidents, and the methods to prevent static electricity generation and accumulation.

Citation

Mohamed Shaluf, I. (2008), "An overview on static electricity", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 212-220. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653560810872514