Measurement of electrostatic discharge ignition risks from conductive components of Personal Protective Equipment

To assist with the development of a SUCAM document for PPE for safe use in explosive atmospheres, the authors have carried out measurements on metal items typically attached to PPE, using capacitance meters, charge sharing and charge transfer test methods. Capacitance was determined without spacers, and with spacers to simulate layers of clothing. Results indicate that the use of capacitance meters in this context may not provide complete information necessary for evaluation of ignition risks. Consideration should be given to specifying charge sharing or charge transfer methods. The results of small capacitance measurements should be considered to have considerable uncertainty.