Automated Systems

Working with automated handling equipment (AHE) may bring specific safety issues relating to the equipment and processes. These may include risks due to moving machinery, electrical hazards, or high process or equipment temperatures. AHE systems often work within interlocked protective enclosures. This chapter discusses the general principles of electrostatic discharge (ESD) control in AHE. ESD control measures in AHE will often need to be developed specifically for the ESD risk that has been identified. The chapter describes the determination and implementation of ESD control measures in AHE, and describes materials, techniques, and equipment used for ESD control in AHE. It presents an overview of measurements in AHE. The measurements include resistance measurements, electrostatic field and voltage measurements, charge measurements, measurement of the voltage decay time and offset voltage due to neutralization by an ionizer, ESD current measurements, and detection of ESD using electromagnetic radiation detectors.