Static electricity occurs commonly in industry and in daily life and can be a source of danger as well as discomfort or inconvenience. The main hazard is that of explosions and fires initiated by electrostatic discharges, but shocks to personnel can also, on occasion, cause accidents. In addition, static electricity produces operational problem during manufacturing or handling processes, for e.g., by causing particles to adhere to each other or attract dust.

Static electricity is being produced either by contact electrification or charging by induction. It is very seldom that an electrostatic hazard occurs in isolation. Generation of Static electricity in the process is beyond control of any person. However by adoption of right material handling practices and ensuring proper earthing and bonding practices as per relevant standards, risk of undesirable static electricity in hazardous/ flammable atmospheres can be control to an extent to minimize static hazard.