b'Static Electricity How a Static Electricity Fire Can Start By Trent Cotney, Owner, Cotney Construction LawThe following article originally appeared in the January 2021 issue of Florida Roofing magazine.membranes and bonding adhesives. Crew members can create a static charge by dragging in-It is reprinted here with permission from the Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association. sulation boards over one another, sliding membrane sheets over insulation or removing release Aliners from membranes. Once static charges have accumulated, workers can inadvertently cause sunny day with low humidity, warm and not too windythat seems like a perfect day to install a roof. However, while those are favourable working conditions, they can set thesparks when they allow a metal adhesive roller or applicator handle to touch a metal adhesive stage for a fire hazard. When the air is dry and still, whether hot or cold, the atmosphere iscontainer. They can also create a spark just by walking across the insulation.right for static electricity to build up. Certain construction materials used by a roofing crew canA single spark can cause a flame or even an explosion. Such an occurrence can injure work-contribute to the static charge as well. And solvent-based products can release vapours, whichers, set fire to a building and jeopardize an entire project. the static electricity can ignite with a spark. That scenario is dangerous for your workers and can seriously damage the worksite structure. Precautions for Every CrewWhat Is Static Electricity? Most construction companies are diligent in providing employees with the necessary train-Most people experience static electricity during cold, dry weather. Clothes cling, touching aning for fire safety. However, it is a good idea to reinforce the basics: Ensure that the building and all electrical lines are grounded. Check with the build-appliance causes a shock, or hair stands on end. Usually, it is just an annoyance, not a life-threat-ening issue. But when static electricity is present on a jobsite, employees are at risk. ing owner as needed. Remember that metal objects are conductors, so electricity flows Static electricity occurs when negative and positive charges are imbalanced. Atoms make upthrough them. Grounding metal objects can make the worksite safer because it allows the every object, and those atoms contain neutrons, protons and electrons. Neutrons are neutral,electricity to dissipate in the earth. T time to store flammable liquids safely. Keep containers sealed when not in use so while protons have positive charges and electrons have negative charges. When positive and nega- ake tive charges are balanced, all is well. Usually, objects with the same kind of charge will repel eachvapours do not spread. If containers are in metal cabinets, make sure they are grounded.other. However, if they rub against each other, static electricity builds up until it finds a way toHave workers wear clothing made of cotton. Synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon release. That friction on a roofing project can lead to a dangerous spark.can cause static to build up more readily. Train workers in discharging static from their bodies before handling solvent-based prim-Fire on a Jobsite ers or adhesives and before removing release liners. Instruct workers to use caution when moving insulation boards, electrical cords and mem-A static electricity fire might sound like a fluke, but it is not. The National Fire Prevention Association notes that fire departments respond to almost 280 industrial static electricity-relatedbranes. Try not to drag them. Be aware that vapours from solvents are heavier than the air. If working in a confined space, incidents every year.Humidity is a critical factor for static electricity. The lower the humidity, the higher the chanc- use a fan to direct fumes away from heaters and electric motors on the site.es for dangerous levels of static electricity build-up. According to findings from the NationalProhibit smoking at the worksite.Make sure fire extinguishers are available and train workers to use them. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, at least 89 per cent of the United States experiences humidity of 60 per cent or less, at least seasonally. Humidity levels can drop dramatically in a sin- Static electricity is not visible, but it is always present and hard to avoid. Every roofing crew gle day, such as when a cold front blows through, so safety conditions at a site can change quickly.can benefit from learning about the potential risks and how to manage them. Therefore, it is crucial to know the potential sources of static electricity and protect against themDisclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information every day, not just when the humidity plummets. only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, In homes and offices, most people encounter static electricity when walking across a carpet ornor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.touching a metal object. However, the movement of fluid can also generate static electricity. On aTrent Cotney is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar, an advocate for the construction site, this movement can happen when workers stir, pour or pump fluids. roofing industry and General Counsel of FRSA. For more information, contact the author at 866-Contractors have reported that many flash fires involve isocyanurate insulation, single-ply303-5868 or go to www.cotneycl.com.18ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSISSUE 3 2023 THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ORN'