The Secret Behind Anti-Static Matting

Anti-static matting is designed to protect employees and equipment from the harmful effects of electrostatic discharges. An electronic discharge can occur when static electricity is caused by everyday activities in the workplace. It can be generated by ordinary fittings and fixtures, such as carpets, chairs, packaging materials and work surfaces.

When employees rub, slide across or separate materials, or simply walk across a carpet, the resulting surge has the potential to damage electrical components in the vicinity, making workplace ESD problematic.

Can electrostatic discharges kill you?

Electrostatic discharge is highly unlikely to be fatal, but it can cause a painful momentary shock. The average strength of an electrostatic discharge is around 2,000 to 5,000 volts, so it’s likely to create anything from a tingling sensation to a brief pain. More hazardous is the recoil reaction from the sudden pain, as it can cause you to jump back, possibly leading to injury if you fall, or damage to products.

PVC anti-static floor mats provide a workplace solution to control electrostatic discharges. These specialist ESD matting products are used primarily to protect sensitive electronic components by drawing the static charge to the ground. In doing so, they will also protect employees, such as machinery operatives in the electronics manufacturing industry, from any sudden shocks.

Damage to electronics

The heat generated by ESD can damage the parts of an electronic device, or any electronic components that you’re manufacturing, causing them to fail. Damage can occur to parts such as microchips and printed circuit boards at various stages of the manufacturing process including on the production line, storage, transit or when in use.

An electrostatic discharge mat not only safely removes static electricity from people or objects, but it also prevents a build-up of static in the workplace environment. Most comprise an anti-slip base for user safety, a middle layer to direct electricity into the ground and a top layer of dissipative vinyl to discharge the static electricity.

Benefits of anti-static mats

The main benefits of an anti-static mat include enhancing safety in the workplace, both in terms of employee health and protecting sensitive equipment.

When employees suffer prolonged exposure static electricity in the workplace, or are repeatedly shocked, it can cause increased anxiety, stress and general discomfort. This means there may be more absenteeism due to ill health, costing your company money and reducing productivity. In addition, if sensitive equipment is damaged – including your own manufacturing equipment, or the products you’re making – this can also reduce your profits.

Many anti-static mats also have anti-fatigue properties, including extra foam, to enhance comfort if employees have to stand for long periods.

What industries are most at risk of ESD?

Any industry where static electricity has the potential to cause harm, or where electrostatic sensitive products are found, can be at risk of ESD.

Anti-static matting is commonly found in microchip manufacturing factories, clean rooms, automobile plants, operating theatres, computer repair shops, equipment assembly rooms, medical centres, dental surgeries, environments where there are flammable materials and any workplace where there’s a perceived risk. It is also needed in workspaces where the employees may enter sensitive environments on occasion, such as if office staff need to enter a manufacturing space or clean room, for example.

Choosing the right anti-static matting

When selecting an anti-static mat, it’s crucial to select the precise size and coverage for your matting needs, as well as considering the specific environment and application, such as whether they will come into contact with chemicals or extreme temperatures.

Some companies choose specialised ESD matting for entire manufacturing floors, while others purchase mats for specific rooms, areas or workstations. If you’re in any doubt, our team is always happy to help with your queries.