static earth installations & assesments

Static Earthing

The accumulation of electrostatic charge, on equipment or personnel, can give rise to all sorts of problems in a wide range of premises. Of concern in hazardous areas is that a static discharge can be the source of an ignition and explosion. So wherever DSEAR applies static must be brought under control, in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum and food processing industries etc.

The safe management of static requires an understanding of both the physics and the engineering of the actual circumstances. Earthing and bonding typically play a role in charge suppression but a misunderstanding of the process can lead to questionable results. Often there is inherent equalization of potential via the building structure and additional bonding is unnecessary. This is not the case where there are non-conducting structural components and dedicated bonds will need to be considered, or other anti static mechanisms.

Our service covers the full range of activities depending on your static earthing status and needs. If you are unsure what your position is we will audit your installation and make recommendations opposite the code of practice. We can advise and assist with the scheduling of static earth bond tests for fixed and portable equipment, and help you set up a periodic inspection and testing regime. Finally we are proficient practitioners and have the necessary certified test equipment to validate your static earth systems out on the plant in hazardous areas.