Chapter 2 Electrostatic discharge prevention: ESD protection for the workplace
Maria Burkanova | 5. June 2020
Anyone working with sensitive electronics such as computer chips or sensitive laboratory equipment must take measures to avoid electrostatic discharges. Floor coverings made of synthetic fibres and other objects in the workplace that are made of synthetic materials are a frequent cause of electrostatic discharge due to friction. The lower the humidity in the room, the stronger the effect of the discharge. Large potential differences cause voltage flashovers. The electronics in devices are particularly susceptible, because even if the voltage discharge is not or barely perceptible to humans, devices can be damaged at voltages as low as 20 to 500 volts.
Protection is indispensable whenever the voltage rises to a high range. At over 7,000 volts, sparks can be produced due to electrostatic discharge. If there are flammable or explosive materials in the vicinity, a fire or explosion may occur. Also possible, is the total failure of electronic components or a reduction in service life due to latent damage.
In this article you can learn everything about setting up an ESD protected workplace. At the end you will find helpful links to sources of supply for ESD equipment.
About ESD floors and floor coverings
The ESD floor is an essential component when setting up an ESD workplace. Carpet, which is often made of synthetic fibres, is particularly critical in offices. This also applies to plastic floors. Likewise, an ESD floor is also useful in the industrial and skilled trades sector. If heavy machinery is standing on the floor, the ESD floor must also be able to bear the load.
An ESD floor is conductive and discharges electrical charges into the ground. Easy-care and resilient synthetic resin floors are well suited. The base material for such a floor covering is epoxy, polyurethane or acrylic resin enriched with conductive additives. The same protective effect is achieved with an ESD floor mat made of a conductive material, also known as an antistatic mat, insulation mat or ESD protection mat.
Using the example of a conventional office floor with synthetic carpeting, it is easy to demonstrate how the ESD floor mat works. If you roll back and forth with the office chair at the desk, friction occurs and the body becomes charged. Touching metal objects, such as the metal hanger in a file folder, will result in an electric shock. Conductive floor coverings such as an ESD floor mat prevent charging and discharging. These small electric shocks are unpleasant for humans and a cause of damage to electronic components.
ESD chairs and stools
Another preventive measure are chairs and stools with antistatic and conductive specifications. An ESD chair is useful in any workplace, indispensable in areas with electronic equipment, laboratories, in ESD areas, cleanrooms and ESD stations. An ESD chair prevents the build-up of electrostatic charge in the body of the seated person. At the same time, the grounding with the floor takes place by discharging the static electricity.
Flexible use: ESD coating
An ESD coating can be used in two ways. First, ESD coating of floors is possible. A conductive floor coating protects against electrostatic discharge. The ESD coating is particularly important in electronics production, but also performs well in all other areas of work. The second application is the ESD coating of furniture and the exterior surfaces of electronic devices. Plastic surfaces offer little protection, the coating provides efficient ESD protection. Specially developed paints are used for the ESD coating .
Buckets, cans and other ESD containers for transport
If highly sensitive electronic devices and components must be protected against electrostatic discharge during storage or transport, ESD containers made of conductive plastics are ideal. ESD containers are available in various sizes and provide reliable protection in a wide range of applications.
At a glance: everything you need to set up an ESD workplace
If you want to set up an ESD workplace,
– make sure you have a hard-wearing, resilient ESD floor
– or use an ESD floor mat
– use an ESD chair
– protect switch cabinets and housings of electronic devices with an ESD coating
– use ESD containers for storage or transport of electronic devices
Complete ESD protection also extends to the use of the appropriate ESD cleaning agents. Special ESD cleaning agents are designed to maintain the specifications of an ESD floor, an ESD coating or an ESD floor mat .
Doing without ESD protection can have unpleasant consequences. Even if the hazard is not apparent at first glance: it is always advisable to contain the electrostatic discharge. Therefore, the protection should at best extend to all areas, to floors and furniture as well as to protective measures directly on electronic equipment.
Important standards for ESD protection
The ESD regulations and protective measures are summarised in DIN EN 61340-5-1. The standard deals with the handling of electrostatic charges in connection with technical equipment. The official title is “Protection of electronic components against electrostatic phenomena”; the standard was last updated in July 2017. It belongs to the international standards series 61340, which generally deals with electrostatics. The sources of electrostatic charge are described, for example, as certain combinations of materials, impurities, gases or the behaviour of employees. The standard also contains instructions for companies that manufacture, further process, pack and use electrical parts, devices or components. Compliance with DIN EN 61340-5-1 is particularly important in sensitive production areas.
Set up ESD workplace: find good manufacturers for ESD workplaces
Anyone who wants to set up an ESD workplace or buy floor coverings, floor mats or coatings should always look for the label “antistatic according to EN 61340”.
The following are eligible for the purchase of ESD floor and ESD floor mat :
- Gerflor, internationally active, produces conductive floor coverings and antistatic wall coverings
- Forbo, globally active, produces high-quality, conductive floor coverings, also for industrial purposes
- PK Elektronik, manufactures antistatic floor coverings and floor mats
ESD chairs are available from almost all good office furniture manufacturers: