A tiny shock on a doorknob is nothing more than a mild annoyance, but in a factory full of sensitive electronics, that same spark can destroy thousands of pounds of equipment in an instant. Fortunately, there is a simple solution that can combat these serious risks to allow complete peace of mind: electrostatic discharge flooring, named after the very event it prevents.
Before we discuss the flooring, it’s important to understand what electrostatic discharge is and how it works.
What is electrostatic discharge (ESD)?
If you have ever shuffled across a carpet and then got a static shock from touching something metal, you’ve experienced electrostatic discharge (ESD). An electrostatic discharge is a sudden flow of electrical current between two objects with different charges coming into contact and separating, known as the triboelectric effect.
Here is a simple description of an electrostatic discharge event: a man walks over a floor in shoes, and with each step, his shoes touch and then separate from the floor. Whenever this contact happens (the triboelectric effect), electrons from the floor transfer to the man, who ends up with excess electrons. This results in the man building up a negative charge. The man then touches a metal doorknob, which has fewer electrons than the man’s excess buildup. The electrons jump from the man to the doorknob at the point of contact to spread equally between the two objects. This is what causes the ‘shock’ feeling.
That sudden spark you may be familiar with at home is only a mild example of ESD. In industrial settings, electrostatic discharge can have far more serious and powerful consequences. For the most part, humans only experience a tingling shock when experiencing ESD, but when electronics face this sudden event, they can suffer total irreversible damage.
Under what conditions is ESD the highest threat?
Electrostatic discharge occurs in conditions of low atmospheric humidity. This is because moisture dissipates static charge – it forms a microscopic, conductive layer on surfaces that allow built-up electrons to flow away, rather than accumulate and discharge. So, the drier the air, the more likely static discharge is.
Spaces with low humidity, such as moisture-controlled factories housing electronics or sensitive materials, therefore face a higher threat of ESD, and must find ways to combat the risk. Anti-static flooring is one of the best, most practical solutions.
What is electrostatic discharge flooring?
Electrostatic discharge flooring, also known as anti-static flooring and electrostatic dissipative flooring, is designed to prevent electrostatic discharge. It is popular in a number of working environments to ensure the safety of equipment, products, and staff, all of which can be negatively affected by static discharge.
ESD flooring works by drawing static charges away from people and equipment via conductive pathways connected to grounding points in the flooring material. Continuously pulling the charges out of the person or equipment means no gradual electrical build-up and no sudden static discharge.
The benefits of ESD flooring
Anti-static flooring has several key advantages in settings where low atmospheric humidity and sensitive electrical equipment and/or products come into play.
Material protection
ESD flooring prevents electrostatic discharges, which means your electronic equipment, machinery, and products are protected from the negative consequences of static discharge.
Electronic components in equipment and products are at high risk of fault, damage, or complete failure when ESD is a possibility. One simple spark of electrostatic discharge can deliver sensitive electronics a massive voltage spike, resulting in melted microscopic circuitry, latent defects, dielectric breakdowns, and much more. What may feel like a minor shock to you can render an entire operationally essential computer system useless and irreparable.
Unfortunately, ESD can also trigger far more serious situations, such as fires and explosions. If the environment contains flammable gases or vapours, or combustible dust, the spark from a simple electrostatic discharge can mean significant damage to your equipment and property. Anti-static flooring is instrumental in preventing this sort of disaster.
Staff safety
ESD floors can protect staff and other users of the space from suffering from the possible secondary effects of an electrostatic discharge event. As mentioned, an ESD can trigger dangerous situations in a hazardous environment, such as fires and explosions, which pose a significant threat to human life. Anti-static flooring prevents the electrostatic discharges that could lead to these disasters, making it essential in protecting your staff.
While it is highly unlikely that a person can be directly harmed by a static shock, it can happen. There have been some recorded cases of burns and disrupted heart rhythms, as well as interference with medical devices like pacemakers, but these instances are very rare. However, it is always better to err on the side of caution and put your staff’s health and well-being at the forefront – installing electrostatic discharge flooring will keep individuals safe from potential direct harm.
Compliance
Anti-static flooring can help provide your manufacturing company with an edge over competitors who don’t have BS EN IEC 61340-5-1:2024 compliance.
While not a legal requirement, ESD anti-static flooring is very often a contractual one, especially in manufacturing spaces for specific industries. Many clients in electronics, aerospace, defence, and pharmaceuticals won’t work with suppliers who can’t prove their facility complies with BS EN IEC 61340-5-1:2024, the current European standard for the protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena.
Cleaner spaces
An often unsung benefit of conductive flooring is how it helps to keep areas clean. Statically charged surfaces draw airborne dust and particulate matter – think of a rubbed balloon attracting fibres and hair. As anti-static flooring eliminates electrostatic discharges, floating dust and particles are far more likely to drift to the floor instead of clinging to equipment surfaces, making for a much easier cleaning job.
Operational efficiency
Anti-static flooring results in reduced risk, which means smoother operational efficiency. With fewer interruptions caused by faults, damages, and breakdowns, as well as no facility closures due to the more harmful outcomes of electrostatic discharge, your business runs better.
Highly durable
ESD flooring is typically made of incredibly strong and durable materials. The Cladspray Solutions team installs anti-static epoxy flooring to ensure your floor is extremely tough and impermeable, as well as static dissipative.
We are trusted epoxy anti-static flooring installers
If your facility is suffering from the effects of electrostatic discharge, it may be time to consider professionally installed anti-static flooring. We have years of experience in prepping and installing conductive epoxy floors across a number of industries, including electronics manufacturing and research and development.
When you’re ready to discuss which anti-static flooring solution will work for you and your business, get in touch with our highly knowledgeable industrial floor coating team.
