In a nutshell, ESD stands for electrostatic discharge; a phenomenon that we have all felt ourselves.\u00a0 Ever walked across a carpet, to get a shock when subsequently touching something metal?\u00a0 Then you have experienced an electrostatic discharge.<\/p>\n
We are actually generating static electricity with our bodies on every movement \u2013 it cannot be avoided.\u00a0 While we might not feel any static discharges weaker than 3,000 volts, any nearby delicate electrical components certainly will!<\/p>\n
In addition, in many working environments, a simple spark of static discharge goes from component damaging to outright lethal; static-triggered fires are a leading cause of workplace blazes.<\/p>\n
ESD-sensitive environments include more than just manufacturing facilities with computer parts.\u00a0 They also include surgery theatres, ammunition factories, vehicle plants, aerospace manufacturing operations, mining facilities, local computer repair shops and even such places as flour mills!<\/p>\n
![\"ESD](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/ESD20061214112800_964518-300x300.jpg\")
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Electrostatic Discharge \u2013 A Hidden Risk<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile we all probably know the effect of ourselves receiving a shock, it is not as commonly known how many electrostatic discharges pass us by unnoticed. Most commonly used components can be damaged by 100-200 volts, and the most sophisticated ones by as little as 5-10 volts.<\/p>\n
Now take a look at this table, to put that into context:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNoticing the Electrostatic Discharge<\/strong><\/td>\nVolts<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nFeeling the electrostatic discharge:<\/td>\n 3500 Volts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nHearing the electrostatic discharge:<\/td>\n 4500 Volts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nSeeing the electrostatic discharge:<\/td>\n 5000 Volts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nIt is very easy, therefore, to put your components in severe danger of damage without your knowing.<\/p>\n
To take an example, at the computer you may be sitting at right now, the pickup heads on its hard drive can be damaged from voltages as low as 30 volts!<\/p>\n
Such electrostatic damage to components is frequently impossible to detect \u2013 it may even pass final product testing without being caught.\u00a0 Nevertheless, such damage can affect the reliability and operational life of the product, costing both customer and manufacturer.\u00a0 The safest way to avoid such hard-to-detect ESD damage is to set up your workplace with the correct ESD resisting furniture.<\/p>\n
ESD \u2013 The Risk of Fire<\/strong><\/h2>\nFor health and safety risk assessments, the UK government highlights four sources of typical fire ignition \u2013 these are:<\/p>\n
\n- Hot surfaces<\/li>\n
- Electrical equipment<\/li>\n
- Smoking\/naked lights<\/li>\n
- Static electricity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Of these four, the most frequently overlooked tends to be the danger of static electricity.\u00a0 This contributes to the danger of this type of hazard.\u00a0 In any workplace environment that houses flammable gases, liquids or solids, all that is needed is an ignition source \u2013 such as a stray spark caused by static electricity \u2013 to start a fire.<\/p>\n
Not only is a fire one of the most costly, wasteful things that can ever happen to a business, but recent tightening of legislation means that non-compliance of fire safety regulations reaches all the way to the top.\u00a0 CEO\u2019s now risk personal liability<\/u> if a company is found negligent after a fire.<\/p>\nESD Protection \u2013 the Solution<\/strong><\/h2>\nAt Key, we can supply a wide range of items to deal with the problem of ESD, whatever your workplace environment. Do you deal with delicate electronics, and so need full ESD protection in your lab\/repair areas?\u00a0 Are you in an environment with a high risk of fire?<\/p>\n
Whatever the need, Key can step in to give you the solution.\u00a0 An ESD-protected area is usually shortened to the acronym EPA, and Key can offer you the means and expertise to design an EPA for yourself that is compliant, safe and efficient.\u00a0 We offer:<\/p>\n
![\"ESD](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/ESDWorkbench.jpg\")
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ESD Workbenches<\/a>, designed to earth all static discharges safety, whilst maintaining efficient, ergonomic workstations.<\/p>\nESD Matting<\/a> to protect your workspace from the build-up of static electricity, whether floor matting or desk.<\/p>\n
Noticing the Electrostatic Discharge<\/strong><\/td>\n| Volts<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Feeling the electrostatic discharge:<\/td>\n | 3500 Volts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Hearing the electrostatic discharge:<\/td>\n | 4500 Volts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Seeing the electrostatic discharge:<\/td>\n | 5000 Volts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n | It is very easy, therefore, to put your components in severe danger of damage without your knowing.<\/p>\n To take an example, at the computer you may be sitting at right now, the pickup heads on its hard drive can be damaged from voltages as low as 30 volts!<\/p>\n Such electrostatic damage to components is frequently impossible to detect \u2013 it may even pass final product testing without being caught.\u00a0 Nevertheless, such damage can affect the reliability and operational life of the product, costing both customer and manufacturer.\u00a0 The safest way to avoid such hard-to-detect ESD damage is to set up your workplace with the correct ESD resisting furniture.<\/p>\n ESD \u2013 The Risk of Fire<\/strong><\/h2>\nOf these four, the most frequently overlooked tends to be the danger of static electricity.\u00a0 This contributes to the danger of this type of hazard.\u00a0 In any workplace environment that houses flammable gases, liquids or solids, all that is needed is an ignition source \u2013 such as a stray spark caused by static electricity \u2013 to start a fire.<\/p>\n Not only is a fire one of the most costly, wasteful things that can ever happen to a business, but recent tightening of legislation means that non-compliance of fire safety regulations reaches all the way to the top.\u00a0 CEO\u2019s now risk personal liability<\/u> if a company is found negligent after a fire.<\/p>\n At Key, we can supply a wide range of items to deal with the problem of ESD, whatever your workplace environment. Do you deal with delicate electronics, and so need full ESD protection in your lab\/repair areas?\u00a0 Are you in an environment with a high risk of fire?<\/p>\n Whatever the need, Key can step in to give you the solution.\u00a0 An ESD-protected area is usually shortened to the acronym EPA, and Key can offer you the means and expertise to design an EPA for yourself that is compliant, safe and efficient.\u00a0 We offer:<\/p>\n ESD Workbenches<\/a>, designed to earth all static discharges safety, whilst maintaining efficient, ergonomic workstations.<\/p>\n ESD Matting<\/a> to protect your workspace from the build-up of static electricity, whether floor matting or desk.<\/p>\n |