If you have a problem with static an ESD ( electrostatic discharge) floor can help.

Static is a problem that can manifest itself in many ways in a work environment. In terms of electronics it is believed that up to 50% of hardware failures are static related. In other settings it can produce shocks, sparks and other problems. Reducing or eliminating the build up of static that occurs can be achieved by a variety of methods. The simplest method and the starting point for most companies is the floor.

Work from the ground upwards.

While there are physical and mechanical causes for ESD in business environments, people are considered a primary cause of electrostatic discharge. For example, personnel starting work are likely to have a charge on their body. The clothing and shoes they wear generate static when their clothing fabric rubs against their skin or they shuffle in and out of their chairs or something as simple as walking across the floor.

However the moment a person steps onto an ESD floor whilst wearing ESD control footwear then the charge immediately goes to ground rather than being discharged into a sensitive part, be that a person or component. That person can continue to walk across the floor, carry out all of their work duties and never build up static as they are continuously discharging through the floor. Rub against a wall, shuffle away – it does not matter! The floor is working permanently for you to remove static.

Keep shuffling

Having an ESD floor is the starting point for all ESD control. Further measures may be required but the floor should be first on your list.

The spec to be met for ESD floors is IEC 61340-5-1/2. This specifies the floor should be Static Dissipative and gives a range that the floor needs to meet. Ensure that any ESD floor that you install meets this and check it regularly to ensure that the protection remains.

If you have any questions regarding ESD floors and ESD protection please contact us at [email protected]