Laboratory Safety & Lab Efficiency

Electrostatic discharge is a major concern when working with sensitive electronic components. ESD can damage electronic parts if measures aren’t taken to prevent this common phenomenon. Preventative measures involve a broad range of electrostatic discharge ESD control products for safety and prevention.

What is ESD or electrostatic discharge?

Electrostatic discharge is when two electrically charged objects come in contact with each other and release a rapid and spontaneous surge of static electricity. Each object has a different charge and a different number of electrons. The exchange of electrons results in a significant electromagnetic field buildup which is responsible for the rapid discharge of the static electricity.

While there are several reasons for ESD to occur, the two main reasons are static electricity and electrostatic induction. Static electricity is produced when tribocharging. Tribocharging is when an object’s surface acquires negative electrons. As the other object loses them, it becomes positively charged. When these objects come in contact with each other with opposite charges, the electrons transfer energy and then separate. This causes a type of contact electrification of electrical charges. Electrostatic induction usually results from the electrical charges of an object being rearranged.

What is ESD in safety?

Electrostatic discharge can be a dangerous and costly threat to certain industries such as semiconductors, medical devices, pharmaceutical, biotech, automotive, and electronics. ESD can cause data failure, fires, explosions, and damage electronic devices.

To prevent destruction of a system or product due to ESD, you should install components that minimize or completely eliminate the risk of electrostatic discharge. ESD in safety refers to the measures taken to keep the electrostatic discharge risk to a minimum.

What are the dangers of ESD?

ESD causes two types of damage to electrical equipment. These are known as catastrophic and latent or upset failure. Catastrophic damage creates permanent damage while upset failure damages components but the equipment may still perform to some extent.

What are the basic ESD precautions?

There are two procedures that will minimize or eliminate electrical current. One is to remove material with high ESD buildup. Grounding is the other procedure that is essential for blocking ESD.

ESD control products and systems

The following are ESD control products that will protect electronic components:

Anti-Static Foam. ESD foam is treated chemically with agents that are anti-static. These chemical agents prevent the creation of static charges due to the friction from the item rubbing against them while in motion. However, static charges can still pass through them.

Static Shielding Bags. Static shielding bags prevent static electricity from building up and protect material from electrostatic discharge with their anti-static properties. They create a Faraday cage effect with their multi-layered bags. This protects the material inside the protective packaging from electrostatic discharges.

Anti-Static Bags. Anti-static bags prevent the build-up of static electricity but they do not prevent ESD. These bags are ideal for storing non-static sensitive parts that are used in the manufacturing of electronics.

Anti-Static Labels. Anti-static labels are static dissipative. Any charge on the label will dissipate immediately. The label uses adhesives that are low-charging and pressure sensitive. There are also liners that generate a low voltage if removed or repositioned.

ESD Bags. ESD bags such as static shielding bags or anti-static bags, that are used in the manufacturing environment, are used to safely transport components and products

ESD Equipment Ground Monitors. ESD equipment ground monitors are used to monitor buildup of electrostatic energy in workstations usually between the equipment and the worker. These monitors are plugged into the workbench or mat and the worker’s ESD wrist strap. The units, which are grounded by an AC adapter, measure the electrostatic energy of the environment constantly and provide a read out of the results.

ESD Floor Mats. ESD floor mats offer the best protection from static electricity. Static dissipative matting provides resistance to electrostatic discharge by dissipating the static buildup.

ESD Foot Grounders. ESD foot grounders are based on a body to ground connection. The foot grounders emit static from person to ground through the connection of the person to a walking surface that is grounded. A conductive ribbon inside the shoe makes electrical contact through perspiration with the skin.

For over 40 years, Lab Pro Inc. has been committed to delivering the highest quality lab equipment such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) control products, lab supplies, chemicals, and cleanroom PPE apparel to medical device and electronic manufacturing laboratories worldwide. To learn more, visit the biggest Lab Supply showroom in California, or contact us online or at 888-452-2776.