Serious problem doing my job. Help!

[imported_Phil]

Hi all,

Was reading about irrational phobias, and then I realised that I could do with some input as to my problem:

At work, I occasionally have to remove computers from their new boxes, then polystyrene (or plastic stuff) and finally the plastic wrapper. However, every single time I do this, I get a severe static jolt. I'm becoming pre-conditioned to not be able to touch new machines!

I wear rubber-soled shoes if you want to know, and I can't think of any way round this.

Any ideas?

[Edit]ed for stupid use of the Bold tag

 

[Encryptic]

Wear a static wristband or carry a piece of metal around with you that you can touch to discharge any static. That may help.

 

[Rapidskies]

could wear a static wrist attatchment

 

[DougK62]

Hold something metal while you're unpacking.

 

[MystikMango]

Stop wearing polyester disco-shirts.

Seriously, have you grounded yourself with a good ESD strap?

 

[Saulbadguy]

Haha. That happened to me too when I did that kind of work. My advice, pick up the computer with the styrafoam and lift it with styrafoam attached out of the box, and then take the plastic off. Touch the computer with the back of your hand, the shock won't hurt as bad

Edit: Guys, its a PITA to wear an ESD strap when your unpacking stuff. Think about it for a second.

 

[imported_Phil]

Well the polyester disco shirts are in at work at the moment so

Anyway, yes, I could wear an AS wristband as they provide one, but won't that still causes a shock when I touched the freshly-energised case?

The touching-it-with-metal trick I saw somewhere while Googling for this, does that really stop the shock from happening, or at least does it mean you can't feel it?

Last thing (Saulbadguy), that's not a bad idea, but even through my trousers it hurts. Tried it the other day, sigh.

It's getting to the stage where other people are pre-warned that I can't take computers out of boxes. However, as of late, I've had to stop using the shrink-wrapping machine in the warehouse as that gave me a huge bolt the other day. The crack was heard the other end of the warehouse (approx 50 yards, maybe 75).

 

[Ladies Man]

suck it up?

it's nothing that will hurt you, if anything you should laugh about it when it happens.

 

[imported_Phil]

Tried that, but it hurts, damnit!
And yes, I should probably stop being a pvssy, but I've seen the sparks, and they ain't small...

 

[hoyaguru]

Slam the boxes down real hard before you open them, this will cause the static electricity to dissipate harmlessly through the floor. You may have to slam the boxes 3 or 4 times, maybe even jump on them a few times. If someone asks you what you are doing, tell them your supervisor told you to do it.

 

[imported_Phil]

I may be a dope fiend, but I'm not that stupid

 

[gotsmack]

wear gloves

 

[imported_Phil]

Hmm, clear first-aid gloves maybe? I think you may have just found my solution

 

[TranceNation]

i get shocked alot from opening/closing my car door or any doors