electech,
Interesting you should bring up Electro-static Powder-coating.
One of the last jobs that I did as an EC was to fit out a Spray Booth that used this method.
The Equipment to be Powder-coated is held at a negative DC voltage, with respect to the "Gun".
The Spray gun itself is charged at 11-15kV DC.
The guy using the gun wears a conductive suit, he is bonded to the gun.
He has two helpers that move the work during the process, should the need arise.
For the gun operator to touch the work piece, would be catastrophic!. [Linked Image]
The area in which he works has forced air ventilation, but has a humidification system to keep the chances of static discharge down.
Even though the site doesn't involve chemicals, it's looked upon here as a Hazardous Area.
I got a Registered Inspector of Mines to actually certify this for me.
I really had the worry, that if I got the wrong guy to certify this and someone was killed using this plant, I would have to carry the can, seems I did the installation work.
We work under CENELEC regs as far as Hazardous Areas go here, but if there is anything that scares me it's Gas and Hazardous Chemicals!. [Linked Image]