| By :
Tomer Harel
The effect of static electricity on people or equipment can be reduced with anti-static devices. They are necessary when working with gases and flammable liquids by preventing fires and explosions. Objects that are sensitive to static, such as electronic components or devices, can also prevent being damaged by the use of these devices. Static electricity is caused by triboelectrictrification. It is also called Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). We are all surrounded by atoms and within each of these atoms is a nucleus that is positively charged with protons and neutrons. These have no electrical charge, but surrounding each atom are electrons which are negatively charged. While the protons and neutrons don't change, the electrons move from atom to atom. Electrons are exchanged whenever two objects touch. This causes one object to become negatively charged while the other becomes positively charged. When another object of the opposite charge touches one of these, electrons flow. The static electricity is caused from the electrons moving back and forth between the atoms. Many workplaces and offices have an excess of static electricity that can cause a static shock to someone. Many industries have found anti-static products necessary in order to protect their workers and also the equipment with which they are working. Those working with in industries that involve electronics, telecommunications and defense equipment often use anti-static garments to protect their workers from static shock. There are other forms of anti-static devices that are used, particularly for those in the computer industry. Graphics and hard disk drives are often shipped in anti-static bags to prevent a buildup of electricity during shipping. There is even an anti-static agent compound that is used to treat materials in order to prevent a buildup of static electricity. In order to provide grounding for workers, anti-static straps are worn. These are a metal piece that is worn against the skin on either the wrist or heel. Workers are protected from excess static electricity by this strap that relays to an electrical ground. People who work in an environment where static electricity can build need to wear an anti-static device or an anti-static mat to protect themselves from shock. Also, those working with computers can cause hard drive damage if it is exposed to static electricity. Caution must be used because it doesn't take much static to ruin a hard drive. The most stable and durable of all are the anti-static mats. Earlier anti-static mat used to only be made of a black material, which was ugly and therefore not considered suitable for large areas. Today, however, mats are available in many sizes and colors. They are used for many purposes and can fit into the décor of any room. Anti-static mats serve the same purpose and are used by people who work with machinery or materials that can cause a buildup of static electricity. People who need to stand for long periods of time often need mats to give them comfort. In order to provide both safety and comfort to workers, some mats are manufactured with both anti-static and anti-fatigue features. There is one main purpose for anti-static devices - to protect people from ESD. Regardless of whether or not your employer provides anti-static devices, you must watch out for your own health. You can work without fear of an electric static shock when you have an anti-static device in place. Anti-static mats serve the same purpose and are used by people who work with machinery or materials that can cause a buildup of static electricity. People who need to stand for long periods of time often need mats to give them comfort. In order to provide both safety and comfort to workers, some mats are manufactured with both anti-static and anti-fatigue features.
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