Question

Generally, in hospitals staff members wear shoes with special soles to prevent the build-up of a static charge as they walk. Why?

Answer 1

Conducting shoes are worn to avoid building up a static charge while walking. Rubber soled shoes as they rub against the floor build up a static charge (conduction charging), which could discharge with a spark. The spark could cause a fire or explosion in an oxygen-rich environment. Conducting shoes provide a constant connection to the earth, grounding the wearer and allowing any excess charge to leak away.