ABSTRACT
Products should prevent or minimize static buildup and discharge that could cause a fire or explosion. Static electricity makes socks cling to pants exiting the dryer. A discharge can occur when someone walks across a carpet and then touches a light switch, for example. A spark resulting from a buildup of static electricity can ignite gasoline vapors emanating from a gas tank fill port, potentially leading to a conflagration. Helicopters can develop a considerable static charge due to the rotor blades sweeping through the air. To deal with the hazard, the “Static Man” on a support team has the job of grounding the helicopter using a grounding rod. Similarly, tank trucks that contain large quantities of chemicals can generate static electricity during loading and unloading. The ultimate static discharge is a lightning bolt. People can protect their homes with lighting rods that redirect the energy from a lightning strike to the ground.
