As I begin planning and installing a reloading station in my garage/woodshop I wonder about static electricity, its hazards, and how best to avoid them.

My shop is a metal building and has a concrete floor. I am located in south Texas and the climate is mostly hot and dry for a great part of the year. I just installed 3/4in rubber mat (TSC Horse Stall Mat) around three quarters of my main workbench to protect against dropped charges, primers, etc. Am I sufficiently protected against all things static, or is/are there additional measure(s) that could be taken for the "best" protection?

FWIW, I searched S&W Forums and read about foul-ups and such, but nothing regarding best practices...

Attached Images

Reloading-Rubber-Mat.jpg (135.3 KB, 56 views)

To protect against static discharge, I would recommend one of those anti-static discharge wrist straps that computer technicians wear when working on the internals of your computer. The chance of a static discharge is remote, but when wearing one and with it properly connected to a large metal object, it effectively eliminates that risk.

Rosewill RTK-002 Network/ PC Service Tools - Newegg.com

It's relatively safe,I ve been doing this in Colorado for 30 years without extra precautions for static elec. BUT ;-) when you start messing with black powder..that's different.

If you are going to reload black powder cartridges, you do need to avoid static charges. Black powder is explosive but smokeless is only flammable...a huge difference in risk. I've been handloading for 25 years with no problems with static at all.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

Good to know. I never really gave any thought to static electricity protection. I don't reload any black powder, but my main trouble is my flame point Siamese wanting to rub all over me and everything. Is there something in smokeless powder that makes cats crazy?

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Not enough space

Im pretty sure most cats are just born that way lol.

I am fairly sure that you can not ignite black or any other powder with static electricity. Check out the link below.

Static Electricity and Black Powder

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Gary
SWCA 2515

^^^ This is interesting

Just like Chuck, no black powder for me either... only smokeless. The information above is good to know, and relieving. I'm a bit anal about over thinking things sometimes, but thought I needed to ask the above.

Thanks guys!

How about Increase humidity. Add a humidifier.

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Psalm 23:4

My only problem with that has to do with another hobby of mine, woodworking. This area is also my woodshop, not only where I build, but where I store my lumber as well. Higher humidity makes wood move/warp, so I try not to add humidity artificially.

Sounds like a good idea in a single purpose designated reloading room though.