ESD 20:20 Certification Can Prevent Costly, Dangerous Vehicle Mishaps (Demo)

A Your4State.com article published December 23, 2013 discusses how a natural phenomenon can have serious repercussions on modern society. It writes:

Pumping gas is a simple task done many times for drivers, but throw in a little spark and fire officials say it can quickly cause the ignition to flame. Deputy Bruch Bouch with the Maryland State Fire Marshal says, “That little bit of build up of static charge can take a very simple mundane trip to the gas station and turn it into a serious trip to the burn center.” You’ve probably felt static electricity before when exiting your vehicle at the gas station. While rare, Deputy Bouch says that static can cause a fire when dispensing gas. The Maryland State Fire Marshal says it’s especially during the winter months we should be watchful for those sparks. “It tends to occur more often in the winter time because of the dry atmosphere,” says Deputy Bouch. “We lose a lot of the humidity that will contain any type of electrostatic spark.”

The article also advises readers on how to avoid the build up of static electricity to prevent the combustion of gas at the pump. More importantly, it gives a renewed importance for electronic components to expertly handle static discharges and for ESD 20:20 certification to take on a more central role in electronics in general. Static electricity is a natural phenomenon that occurs when two materials rub off against each other. Different layers of clothes and the seat of a car are some sources of potential static charges. Static electricity is highly harmful for industries like the automotive and gas, as these industries deal with highly flammable materials. A single static spark can cause a costly fire. This is why it is imperative for such industries to be able to expertly handle static electricity. One of the things that can be done by drivers in order to prevent static electricity from harming their vehicles, gasoline, and any electric components in between is by clutching their vehicles to release any static build up. More importantly, involved industries need to improve their workflow systems in order to expertly handle such static-vulnerable material. Companies who obtain ISO certification for their ability to handle static will assure themselves and their clients that everything will go well. Static electricity is a danger to a digital society, so prevention is key. Companies interested in getting things started can contact trusted services like International Standards Authority, Inc to learn more. (Article Excerpt and Image from Static Electricity: Danger at the Pump, Your4State.com, December 23. 2013)