We look at something totally different in this blog post: electrostatic discharge (ESD). Yes, this has something to do with anti fatigue mats, please read on. We look to Wikipedia for a definition of ESD:
This is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically-charged objects caused by contact, an electrical short, or dielectric breakdown. A buildup of static electricity can be caused by tribocharging or by electrostatic induction. The ESD occurs when differently-charged objects are brought close together or when the dielectric between them breaks down, often creating a visible spark.
BTW, tribocharging is a type of contact electrification in which certain materials become electrically charged after they come into frictional contact with a different lighting a classic example of electrostatic discharge (ESD). material. Most everyday static electricity is triboelectric. In contrast, electrostatic induction occurs when an electrically-charged object is placed near a conductive object isolated from the ground. The presence of the charged object creates an electrostatic field that causes electrical charges on the surface of the other object to redistribute.Now, to put ESD into context.
We all would have felt a spark at some time or other. For instance going up an escalator, with static we create touching the rail can sometimes cause a spark, especially if our shoes or clothing come in touch with the brush section just above the moving steps. ESD can create spectacular electric sparks and best known of this is lightning (with a following clap of thunder) is a large-scale ESD event.
ESD in the the workplace
ESD in the workplace can be a problem. Consider a manufacturer of semiconductors, or maybe even someone who has solvents to clean or use in manufacture. Definitely, a manufacturer of pyrotechnics is one who would have to consider the effect of ESD on the factory floor. What about a paint manufacturer or a laboratory that handles solvents and highly flammable material. You get the drift.
An experience encountered by one of our customers comes to mind. A manufacturer of laminate sheets experienced this some years ago. After the sheet came off the line and passed through the last line of felt-covered rollers, this was wiped down with a Class 3 chemical cleaner on a rag. And, this kept catching fire as static was coming from somewhere. Hence, they called us for ESD anti-fatigue mats to fix the problem.
The static was being built up with a mix of nylon rollers and the laminex bench tops zinging over the top, causing static. We asked where the employees standing on esd mats, they were not. An Orthomaster ESD anti-fatigue mat was put in place, to slowly dissipate any build-up of static electricity caused from the employees’ clothing.
There is a moral to the story: when you think that your problems will be solved with an ESD anti fatigue mat, consider first: where is the charge coming from? Where is the charge being energised from? How can the energy circuit release the current slowly so the is no spark or sudden release of charge causing potential fires or unsettled employees from spark shocks.
After this exercise and the supply of our ESD anti fatigue mats, no more fires resulted during the above cleanups.
The product mentioned in the above example is highly ideal for this use, the Orthomaster Electrostatic Discharge Mat. An exceptional breakthrough in ergonomic comfort combined with superior capabilities this product is a safety mat used for rapid electro-static discharge. It has the capabilities to conduct all static charges from any point on the top surface to any given point on the bottom of the mat. This is enabled by its one-piece construction and voids it against delaminating found in inferior mats. We believe this mat to be a leader in the field of Electro-Static Discharge and ergonomic comfort and safety for all users.
Note that Orthomaster ESD exceeds ESD requirements for Australian Standards ISO 2878:2005.
We have a range of mats and ancillary producs with ESD capability.
Contact us now for more details.
