How to prevent static electricity build up during a task?

Question

My partner cuts up polystyrene (plastic foam) as a way of recycling materials for packaging. It's very efficient but the build up of static electricity slows the job down and drives her crazy.

She uses a wooden board and a steel knife with a bone handle, cuts the polystyrene into cubes about the size of a dice, and then puts them into a carboard box before going onto the next piece.

The static electricity build up causes the little cubes to cling to everything and sometimes to 'refuse' to go into the box!

As you can imagine, it slows the whole process down.

Any ideas about how to reduce the build up of static electricity?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You can get an earth bracelet from most electronic supplies companies.
This is designed to prevent static in your body damaging electronic devices you are handling by earthing it .
this may solve your problem.
Best try an earth wire around your wrist first just to see.

Answer 2

You can try increasing humidity levels in the area with an ultrasonic humidifier. This will help dissipate static charge.

There are benchtop ionizers which are available which produce a cancelling charge. The air from these ionizers is passed over the work area.

Working on a grounded ESD mat may help as well

Answer 3

Maybe by getting the plastic foam (or knife) wet with a spray bottle just to moisten it up.

Answer 4

Wet the knife and styrofoam before working with it?

Just a suggestion.

Answer 5

Best bet is a grounding strap.