Anyone that depends upon a computer, microprocessor or electronic device needs to be concerned about electrostatic discharge (ESD). Estimates by electronics experts show that ESD costs businesses over $500 million annually. One discharge in the wrong place can destroy expensive circuits and cause errors, "down time" and production delays. This can spell disaster in the fast pace world of modern electronics.

Faster chips and computers mean smaller circuits. When the circuits become smaller the electrostatic discharge protection standards become more demanding. For instance, small electrostatic discharges having no effect on microprocessors several years ago can wipe out the newer and faster chips. Some companies are beginning to ask housekeeping and maintenance staffs to become a part of their overall ESD programs.

Hard floor surfaces are a primary source for electrostatic build-up. Conductive and static dissipative floor care products are being specified by more and more companies. Special products and procedures are frequently used on floors where ESD is a concern. Floor care professionals working in these sensitive environments should have a basic understanding of static dissipative floor care products and procedures.

Technically an electrostatic discharge is defined as a transfer of electrostatic charge between two bodies at different electrostatic potentials caused by direct contact or induced by an electrostatic field. When we walk across a floor, a charge (static electricity) builds up in our body due to the friction between our shoe material and the flooring material. If we approach or touch an object with a lower electrostatic potential then the static electricity discharges from our body into the object. If the object with the lower electrostatic potential happens to be a door knob then the result is a "zapping noise" or a sharp jolt to our hand. If the receiving object is a microprocessor, the circuit can be "killed" resulting in severe damage to the electronic device.

Conductive flooring is sometimes used in areas sensitive to electrostatic discharge. These specialty floors are manufactured using conductive materials to create a pathway for electrical charges to be grounded. Conductive floors help prevent electrostatic discharge in two primary ways. First, by minimizing the build-up of static electricity on the floor. And second, by dissipating static charges from people or objects that come in contact with the floor. Although conductive floors help control ESD they do not eliminate it.

Additional ways that ESD can be controlled include, (1) grounding of workbenches, tools and testing equipment, (2) limiting the handling of sensitive products to trained personnel only, (3) increasing the relative humidity in the room to a minimum of 40 percent, (4) using only ESD protective materials, and (5) using only proven and effective static dissipative floor care products.

Conductive floors are not always used in areas sensitive to ESD. Standard vinyl or vinyl composition tiles are frequently installed. It is important to use static dissipative products to maintain non-conductive floors in these sensitive areas. Static dissipative floor finishes, floor cleaners, spray buffs and gloss restorers are available. Floor care products should not be used in sensitive areas unless they are specifically designed for ESD control. Conventional floor finishes and waxes without dissipative capacity can produce a surface that is more susceptible to static charge build-ups. And cleaning agents not specially formulated for control of ESD may remove the ESD protection on the floor.

There are several ways chemists design static dissipative floor care products. Some use cationic (positive) ingredients to repel electrons. Others use humectants to draw moisture from the air enabling floors to resist static build-ups. Regardless of the chemistry selected for the formulation it is important for floor care professionals to use the products according to label directions. Floors must be prepared and cared for properly to ensure static dissipative protection. Work closely with your static dissipative floor care supplier to avoid misuse and costly mistakes.

A static dissipative floor care program should have both initial and continued protection against ESD. The static dissipative floor finish provides the initial foundation of protection. And makes the daily maintenance easier and more effective. Regular cleaning with a static dissipative floor cleaner will remove soil insulators and help lengthen the static dissipative capacity of the finish. Static dissipative spray buffing compounds and mop-on dry burnishing restorers are also available for areas where they can be used. Scrub and recoat procedures can be used to renew the initial foundation and prolong the ESD protection.

There are traditionally three main objectives for any floor care program, (1) to maintain floor surfaces that are safe, (2) to protect and extend the life of the floor and (3) to provide floors with a high level of appearance. The computer age has produced the need for a fourth objective in some environments. The need for electrostatic discharge protection.