ESD Workstation
An ESD Workstation is an important consideration for your business and employees as electrostatic discharge can be a serious risk. As a result of this, it is imperative that you know about the different ESD options available to you – and one such option that you may want to consider is an ESD workstation.
Our 2 layer (2mm thick) smooth or textured finish synthetic rubber bench matting is durable and high quality. If you are looking to purchase an ESD bench, we also have these available. Please click here.
With a static dissipative top layer and a conductive bottom layer, this mat is resistant to most solvents, solder splashes, abrasions and is simple to clean.
○ Our matting gives a typical resistance to ground of 106 to 108 ohms.
○ Colours available are: Light Blue and Grey
Max roll size: 1.2m wide x 10m long. Max custom size mat available: 1.2m wide x 8m long.
Lead Time: 1-3 Working Days
What is an ESD Workstation?
First of all, we need to clarify what an ESD workstation is. At its simplest, an ESD workstation is any sort of workstation which serves to protect your workers (and surrounding equipment) from the dangers of electrostatic discharge. Indeed, electrostatic discharge can be incredibly dangerous and can represent a significant risk for your business. Therefore, providing protection against ESD can help your business to stay profitable and safe!
The Dangers of not having an ESD Workstation
There are many dangers associated with not having an ESD workstation when considering the issues related to electrostatic discharge. As a result of this, if your business handles components and tools that produce any form of static electricity, it is essential that you have the relevant protections in place. Some of the dangers of electrostatic discharge can include fires breaking out, damage to surrounding equipment, and injury to your workers and customers.
How to Build an ESD Workspace
If you need an ESD workstation for your workers, but do not have one in stock or available, then it is possible to cobble together a “DIY ESD workstation.” Although this will not provide the same level of protection or reliability as a genuine ESD working area– it’s homemade, after all, so this is to be expected – it can help protect your workers and equipment.
First, you will need to make sure you have the right equipment. An ESD area cannot just be made from objects you have lying around at the workplace. You will still need a collection of ESD materials to make a workbench that is safe and provides protection against electrostatic discharge. You can source these materials from a team such as ours, but if you are buying new, you might as well just invest in a bespoke ESD workstation.
The features of a high-quality and safe ESD workspace must include the following:
- A sturdy workstation/table for your workers to work from. The table that you choose for your ESD workstation will need to be sturdy, durable, and safe. It should have four solid legs / cantilever and be strong enough to cope with any pressure applied to it. Indeed, if your chosen table cannot live up to expectations, you’ll likely find that it isn’t any good. You may also want to consider purchasing our purpose built ESD Workbenches.
- An ESD worktop will reduce any discharged static electricity from the equipment being used on the table. ESD worktops should be made from either laminate or rubber to provide the right level of protection.
- An ESD chair if your workers are to be sitting down at the ESD workstation.
- ESD flooring or matting if your workers are to remain standing while working at your ESD workstation.
- ESD gloves and shoes to protect your workers while they are using the ESD workstation.
To create an effective ESD protected area, these are the most important things you will need to have available. What is more, it should be noted that the ESD worktop you use ought to be the correct size for your chosen table, else the benefits will be significantly reduced.
Should I Build an ESD Workstation?
If you have been thinking about building an ESD workstation, you may provide your workers and equipment with some degree of additional support. However, a “pieced together” ESD workspace simply will not be able to offer the same level of protection. With that being said, you will still need to have the correct anti static supplies to create an ESD workspace, such as ESD worktops, ESD flooring and ESD matting, and a suitable desk or table on which to create your ESD workspace.
As such, an ESD workstation could be a good solution for you to consider if you need a last-minute solution while waiting for your genuine ESD workstation to arrive. However, a DIY ESD workstation should never be a viable long-term solution. Instead, you should always invest in a premium, specially made ESD workspace and the first possible opportunity instead to keep your workers happy and safe.
Remember to Keep Your ESD Workstation Clean!
To get the best results from your ESD workstation, whether it’s a ready-made solution or one that you’ve made from ESD worktops, you’ll still need to keep it clean for it to work well. Anti-static Mat Cleaners provide the ideal cleaning solution for ESD mats, making them a good choice if you’re serious about protecting the safety of your workers and facilities.
Create Your Perfect ESD Area With Us!
If you think that an ESD workstation could be a good solution for your business’ needs, we are on hand to help. So, why compromise on quality? We can provide premium quality equipment for creating your ESD protected area, including Anti-Static floor, custom sized ESD mats, and ESD worktops. We can also provide custom-built, bespoke ESD workstations if you do not want to go through the hassle of making your own, and these are designed to the highest possible standards to keep your workers safe.