The Risk of Electrostatic Discharges due to Triboelectric Charging of Workwear and the Effectiveness of Antistatic Specifications

Abstract

In this study, the charge amount and potential risks of electrostatic discharge generated between charged workwear and a grounded metal sphere were evaluated after friction with an insulating sheet (polytetrafluoroethylene; PTFE). In nonantistatic workwear, brush discharge occurs between the charged workwear and the metal sphere; however, the discharge charge amount is 20 nC or less, posing a low ignition risk for flammable substances. However, in some cases where antistatic workwear is not properly grounded, spark discharge with a discharge charge amount of +203 nC may be generated between the conductive threads and the metal sphere, suggesting a potential ignition risk for flammable gases or solvents.