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What Is ESD Flooring & How Does It Work?

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ESD Flooring Guide


What is ESD flooring exactly?

One of an electrostatically protected areas (EPA) most important elements.

To give you a better understanding of the most optimal flooring solution for your EPA, we have put together this guide, detailing the ins and outs of the ESD flooring solutions available.

What is ESD & Why Is Specialist Anti-Static/ESD Flooring Needed?

With the prevalence of electronics in society, we have had to learn how to combat ESD. But to combat this, there must be a degree of understanding of the topic.
 
 
So here are a few definitions of the terms that are often associated with ESD:
 
Electrostatic Charge - Electric charge that is at rest.
 
Static Electricity - The imbalance of electrical charges that are on or within the surface of a material. The imbalance of electrons creates an electrical field. This has an effect on other objects whilst you can also measure the static electricity.
 
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) - The rapid (and sometimes spontaneous) transfer of electrostatic charge. This is induced by a high electrostatic field.
 
You can find more definitions on the ESD Association website here.

 
 
The process of ESD requires two non-conductive surfaces to come into contact, generating friction. This often leads to static discharge.
Generally, we refer to ESD as a ‘static shock’ from a person or object and more than often this is not dangerous, even if it hurts to some extent!
 
An electrostatic discharge can be dangerous in manufacturing environments using static sensitive components.
 
Electrostatic discharge can damage your electronic circuits. Therefore, a level of ESD control is essential to safeguard your working environment.

Key Difference Between ESD & Anti-Static Flooring

Now as we dig a little deeper into this topic, you are going to encounter flooring or matting that labelled as either anti-static or ESD. They are not the same and have different qualities that you must be aware of.
 
Both offer protection from static charges, but the level of protection given differs. Both anti-static and ESD flooring will prevent the build-up of a charge whilst walking on the floor.
 
Anti-static flooring is covered by a chemical additive, which aids in dissipating static across the surface. This means that you will not build up enough charge to give yourself a shock. However, this type of flooring is not grounded. Anti-static flooring will not eliminate static built up already on the body.
 
To achieve this, you will need ESD flooring (sometimes referred to as conductive flooring). This grounded flooring offers a much higher level of protection. When operating within high-tech environments, ESD flooring is therefore recommended.

Differences Between Anti Static And ESD FlooringDifferences Between Anti Static And ESD Flooring

Who needs ESD Flooring?

As stated above, high-tech environments will need their grounded flooring. These industries include anywhere that manufactures, repairs, or services static sensitive equipment.
 
This includes sectors ranging from the electronics industry, all the way to medical sectors.
 
Antistatic flooring is more relevant where ESD is more problematic that a major risk to equipment and employees.

But What Is ESD Flooring Made From?

The composition of the ESD flooring that you install must be appropriate for your requirements. Below is a shortlist of the main materials to select from.

 

Vinyl – Earthed by a strip of copper - bonded with a conductive acrylic adhesive. Although these tiles can look great, their resistance to both chemicals and heat is poor.

Rubber – Earthed the same way as vinyl flooring. However, the benefit of rubber is its great resistance to chemicals and heat.

Carpet – Often used in office environments where a static control plan is in place. These can be difficult to reach an optimal static dissipation level. Although they have an aesthetically pleasing look.

Epoxy – Chemical resistant and simple to clean, epoxy ESD flooring is available in various thicknesses. Bear in mind that the topcoat can become easily scratched or abraded. Sometimes referred to as resinous flooring.

Cleaning ESD Floor Tiles

We cannot understate the importance of maintaining a cleaning regimen for your ESD flooring. It is not just for the aesthetics and cleanliness either.
 
Failure to maintain your ESD flooring affects the performance of your flooring. The ESD protection it offers can lessen if poorly maintained. Likewise, this will harm the product warranty.

As stated above, your ESD floor tiles have many options for material composition. Using standard cleaning products can damage their integrity or increase the risk of static build-up within your EPA.

So, take a read below of some of the essential products and considerations that you must make for your EPA.

Your ESD Cleaning Essentials

Cleaning Products For Your ESD FlooringCleaning Products For Your ESD Flooring

Broom & Dustpan – You must sweep your anti-static or ESD flooring before any cleaning. This ensures you collect any loose dirt. Many standard brooms are made from static material. Look for ESD versions that are perfect for cleaning and tidying up your EPA.

Cleaning Chemicals – Water based formula that provides the perfect clean for your ESD flooring. Standard cleaning solutions can leave behind traces of electrically insulative dirt. Over time this can build up and reduce the performance of your flooring. This can lead to failed ESD audits and time consuming deep cleans.

Waste Bins – Although not cleaning as such, waste disposal needs to be carefully planned out in an EPA. Specially designed ESD waste bins and liners allow for the safe disposal of rubbish in your EPA, such as packaging.

Further Considerations Needed For Anti-Static Or ESD Flooring

Footwear

The correct footwear is a key component of any static control plan. Many soles from standard shoes can create a lot of static.

Whether that be the addition of a heel grounder over the top of an existing shoe or some ESD footwear, you must think of solutions.

In short, ESD footwear ensures that there is a path to the ground from the operator.
 

Testing

Like with any ESD item, there needs to be testing in place, at regular intervals. This helps ensure that the flooring has retained its ESD properties.

It is critical that all flooring in your EPA meets industry standards for electrical resistance. This is for post-installation and beyond.

You should implement testing schedules annually. This provides assurances that your flooring meets the DIN EN 61340-5-1 standards year round.
 

Installation

Installation of your ESD flooring can be conducted either by yourself or a professional. Interlocking tiles are designed to easily snap in and out of place – ideal for flexible setups.

Most floor tiles are interlocking, and with the help of a few cutting tools can be easily cut to size for your desired location. Should you not have time for this, then we can always arrange a professional to get the job done for you!
 

Defining An EPA

Sometimes flooring alone is not a clear enough indication that somebody is entering into an EPA. Floor markings, tapes and signs are used to clearly distinguish the boundaries of EPAs.

Hazard warning tape, ESD signs, and even custom markings on your floor tiles can help to make these areas more identifiable.

To Conclude…

Shelling out investment into ESD flooring can be a brilliant idea to combat ESD within an area in your workplace.

It provides you with a durable, long-lasting, and reliable surface that can last for years to come.

If you want to learn more about common mistakes that we hear people make when working within an EPA take a read here.

Interested in discussing the purchase or installation of flooring for your EPA? Contact our team today!