does anyone know how to stop static electric shocks?

Question

i enjoy my supermarket job, however, i keep getting static electric shocks through handling a lot of plastic and also touching metal objects like trolleys. is there anyone out there who understands static electricity? i`ve heard it might be due to my footwear or the lino floor. short of putting earth leads on my shoes, i`m not sure how to stop it.

Answer 1

Your shoes are insulated no matter what they are made of. My guess is you wear clothes made of synthetic fibers. Rayon is pretty bad for building up a charge. I think polyester is ok... depending on the weather (not if it's too dry). Switch to 100% cotton clothing (never wool).
Dry your clothes with anti-static sheets.
Wet your hair before styling.
Don't drag your feet accross carpets.
Moisturize your skin.
Touch metal objects with another metal object (like a key or a watch.

More easily though, touch metal objects with the back of your hand where you have less nerves, therefore you feel it less.

Answer 2

It doesn't sound like you'll be able to do much to correct your problem except maybe change shoes, and no guarantees there. Static electricity can be effected by many factors such as humidity. The higher the humidity, the less static electricity. The humidity in grocery stores is usually low. You'll notice in colder weather you get 'shocked' more. Handling plastic will really add to your being 'charged'. Once you get charged you touch something metal and you discharge your 'charge' and you fell 'shocked'. There is probably no safe way to remedy your problem.

Answer 3

Actually its the static running through your body. Before you touch the trolley hold a piece of rubber in one hand and grab a piece of steel with the other and let the rubber go. This will dissipate all static electricity from your body

Answer 4

You could try putting a thin chain around your ankle that just touches the floor.
This will dissipate static as it is being built up and should cure the problem. There is a special earthing strip for this purpose but and old necklace would do the job just as well

You can purchase a cheap chain for pennies. what have you got to lose

Answer 5

There are a few things you could do. The simplest, and probably the geekiest, way, would be to attach a resistor (100 ohms or so) to your watch strap, and touch that to the cart before you grab it. The charge will dissipate in the resistor, and no more shocks.

If you wear gloves, you could put them in a dryer with a fabric softener sheet. That will make the surface of the gloves slightly conductive, and they'll act like the resistor.

Answer 6

As long as you keep earthing yourself you will be allright.Trainers are a no no because they prevent this.All you need to do is hold onto something like the display shelf at regular intervals and you will be Ok.You get a shock with the metal trolleys as they conduct your charge to earth really fast.if you touch say the wall then the earth leakage will be slower and you won't feel it.Try wearing leather shoes.

Answer 7

I truly have the comparable concern. some people carry greater static electrical energy than others. My spouse has no concern. I truly have a substantial concern. I truly have even made my demonstrate demonstrate bypass clean and had to restart the full device. donning sweaters or sweatshirts is out of the question. the only component i stumbled on that helps is to develop the humidity contained in the domicile. I carry a extensive nail around in my shirt pocket and am constantly utilising it to touch metallic stuff contained in the domicile to discharge myself.

Answer 8

If it bothers you that much, you can buy a bracelet they sell in specialised computer shops to prevent static shocks.

Answer 9

Touch some water. Maybe have a water bottle with you or just a damp towel.

Answer 10

Get leather soled shoes, and wear non artificial fibers.