Re: Static electricity and charged-up operators...

1 - In any hardware repair kit there should be a static wrist band that 
you attach to a ground before touching a card to remove it.  I knew a gent 
who used to silk screen automotive components - like your heater gauge on 
your dash.  That operation generated a lot of static.  He wrapped wire 
around himself and to a ground.  I wouldn't recommend this if you are 
working on the breaker box though.

2 - If you have carpeting you may want to shampoo it with a little liquid 
fabric softener in the water.  For short term, dilute fabric softener with 
water and spray bottle that around the carpet.

3 - Back when we had tractor feed printers we had to affix "Bounce" dryer 
sheets to the output guide or the static got so bad that jamming might 
occur.

4 - I am wearing sweaters and polypro long johns because it's so freaking 
cold in here.  First thing that happens every morning is that I get 
shocked from static when I turn on the electric heater under the desk. 
Make sure they don't skimp on the softener when doing their laundry. 
Reminds me of the suggestion to lick a toad every morning then your day 
just can't get worse.

5 - At one place I worked I grabbed a steel ruler, then I touched the 
terminal in a metal area (with the ruler).  Created a nice arc.  Then, 
once I was then "discharged" I could start work.  (Please, no comments on 
how one would rather start their day with a "discharge" than licking a 
toad.)

Rob Berendt