AS NZS 1020-2023 PDF

Full title and description

AS/NZS 1020:2023 — The control of static electricity in non‑hazardous areas. A joint Australian/New Zealand standard that sets out requirements and recommendations for identifying, assessing and controlling static electricity generated incidentally by processes and activities in areas that are not classified as hazardous (explosive atmospheres). It provides practical measures to reduce risks such as ignition, shock, equipment damage and nuisance caused by electrostatic charge.

Abstract

This standard provides a concise methodology for static‑electricity risk management in non‑hazardous environments. It describes sources and nature of static charges, guidance for undertaking a static electricity assessment, the structure and content of a static electricity control plan, measurement methods, and a hierarchy of control measures (earthing, bonding, flooring, personnel protection, ionisation, humidification, packaging and process changes). The standard is intended to assist designers, operators and safety professionals to recognise where static may present a hazard or nuisance and to select appropriate mitigation and verification measures.

General information

• Status: Current (active) — supersedes AS/NZS 1020:1995.
• Publication date: 2 June 2023 (published as AS/NZS 1020:2023).
• Publisher: Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (joint publication).
• ICS / categories: Electrotechnical and safety related: commonly classified under ICS 29.020 (electrical engineering in general) and related categories for electrostatics/explosion protection (e.g. 13.230 / 29.260 series).
• Edition / version: 3rd edition (AS/NZS 1020:2023).
• Number of pages: 26 pages (informational appendices included).

Scope

AS/NZS 1020:2023 applies to processes and activities in non‑hazardous (non‑explosive atmosphere) areas where static electricity is generated incidentally. It covers identification of sources and mechanisms of charging, evaluation of the potential for static discharges to cause harm or nuisance, and selection and verification of control measures. It does not replace explosive‑atmosphere electrostatics standards that apply specifically to hazardous areas but complements them for general industrial, commercial and public environments.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and fundamentals of static electricity: charging mechanisms, discharge types and hazards.
• Static electricity assessment: identification of potential hazards, components of an assessment and documentation.
• Static electricity control plan: required elements and management responsibilities.
• Hierarchy of controls for static: elimination/reduction at source, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective measures.
• Measurement methods: surface resistivity, in‑situ static measurements, resistance of bonds and static earth testing.
• Earthing and bonding: design, components, testing, earthing electrode configuration and links to protective earth.
• Flooring and building features: selection, temporary measures, discharge mats and treatment of lifts/stairwells.
• Personal protective equipment and procedures: footwear, heel straps, wrist straps, dissipative clothing and maintenance/testing regimes.
• Active and passive ionisation, humidification and conductivity improvers as control options.
• Packaging, labelling and handling of electrostatic‑sensitive equipment and medical implant considerations.
• Records, static control programmes, routine testing and declaration/reporting templates (appendices provide example forms).

Typical use and users

Used by EHS/safety managers, plant/process engineers, facilities managers, designers, consultants and auditors in manufacturing, printing, packaging, textiles, electronics, logistics, healthcare facilities and other commercial environments. Also used by organisations developing maintenance and verification programs for static control, and by regulators or inspectors referencing good practice for occupational safety.

Related standards

Relevant complementary and referenced documents include earlier editions AS/NZS 1020:1995 (superseded but still cited in some regulatory texts), AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and international electrostatic and explosive‑atmosphere guidance such as IEC/ISO documents on electrostatics and ignition prevention (for example IEC TS/60079‑32 series and IEC 61340 series on electrostatics). Users should consult applicable hazardous‑area and ESD‑specific standards where appropriate.

Keywords

static electricity, electrostatics, static control, earthing, bonding, ionisers, dissipative flooring, static assessment, electrostatic discharge (ESD), static control plan, measurement, humidification, packaging, AS/NZS 1020

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS/NZS 1020:2023 is a joint Australian/New Zealand standard that provides requirements and recommendations for identifying and controlling static electricity in non‑hazardous (non‑explosive) areas.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the fundamentals of static generation and discharge, conducting a static electricity assessment, preparing a static electricity control plan, measurement and testing methods, and a range of control measures including earthing, bonding, flooring, PPE, ionisation, humidification and packaging/handling guidance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental health & safety (EHS) professionals, process and electrical engineers, facilities managers, consultants, auditors and anyone responsible for managing the risks or nuisance associated with static electricity in industrial, commercial or public buildings.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2023 edition (AS/NZS 1020:2023) is the current edition, published 2 June 2023, and supersedes the 1995 edition. Note: the 1995 edition may still be cited in some regulations—users should confirm regulatory requirements with the relevant authority (for example workplace safety regulators) where there is any uncertainty.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: AS/NZS 1020 is a standalone code of practice-type standard for static control in non‑hazardous areas but is frequently used alongside other standards dealing with electrostatics, explosive atmospheres and electrical installations (for example IEC/TS 60079‑32 guidance on electrostatics in explosive atmospheres, IEC 61340 series on electrostatic control, and AS/NZS 3000 for wiring).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Static electricity, electrostatics, static control plan, earthing, bonding, measurement, ionisation, dissipative flooring, ESD, static assessment.