Chandrashekhar Chandwadkar, senior project manager at Radiance Safety Solutions, pointed out that this seemingly harmless phenomenon can lead to significant risks, particularly in environments where flammable materials are handled. He said, "Static electricity, if not properly managed, can easily ignite these materials, causing devastating fires."

Chandwadkar broke down the concept of static electricity, describing it as an electric charge that builds up on surfaces when they come into contact and then separate. He highlighted the common operations in factories, like filling containers or moving powders, that can generate static electricity.

To address these risks, Chandwadkar emphasised the importance of following safety regulations. He mentioned several laws in India, like the Factories Act 1948, that require companies to implement safety measures such as grounding, proper ventilation, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). "Compliance with these regulations isn't just about following the law—it's about protecting lives and preventing disasters."

Measuring and controlling static electricity is crucial. Chandwadkar discussed the importance of checking surface voltage, resistance, and liquid conductivity to identify potential hazards. "Anti-static PPE, like special clothing, shoes, and gloves, is essential in these environments," he added. "It's not just about comfort, it's about safety."

He then turned to grounding and bonding, describing them as key techniques for preventing static electricity from causing fires. "Grounding equipment and ensuring that objects are bonded together at the same electrical potential are critical steps," he said. "These measures reduce the risk of static discharge, which is often the trigger for industrial fires."

To bring the issue home, Chandwadkar shared real-life examples from the industry. He talked about incidents where static electricity led to fires during barge and ship loading operations. Continuous monitoring and proper grounding can mean the difference between a safe work environment and a disaster.

Chandwadkar concluded his presentation with a clear message that, although static electricity is invisible, its dangers are real. By taking the right precautions, he emphasised, these risks can be effectively managed to keep workplaces safe.