Are you looking to purchase anti static mats? There are many good reasons to purchase one. In this article I discuss why you need an anti static mat.
Don't you hate that feeling; you walk across the rug at home or across the carpet at work, reach for the doorknob and..........ZAP!!! You get a static shock. Getting a shock is an unpleasant enough experience but did you know that in the workplace it can be very dangerous and even kill you?
What is Static Electricity?
To understand how static electricity is created, let's look at the above example of how static electricity is generated when you walk across a carpet at work. When you walk across the carpet, the soles of your shoes rub against the carpet. This rubbing action causes friction and generates a type of energy. This energy remains dormant or stored up until the person who is carrying the charge eliminates the energy. This usually occurs when the person who is carrying the electrical charge touches a door handle or metal equipment and gets a static shock. This is known as an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
The Problems with Static Electricity in the Workplace.
A build up of static electricity can be dangerous. A static electrical spark can do costly damage to microprocessors, commercial machinery and equipment. Sometimes the results of a static shock could be catastrophic, especially if the employee works with flammable chemicals and gases. A spark has the potential to cause a fire or an explosion. Instances of workmen dying of shock too have been reported. Therefore it is essential to resort to precautionary measures. One method that offers safeguard is the use of antistatic mats.
The Solution
Anti Static Mats or Electrically Conductive Mats are designed to protect sensitive equipment by quickly drawing the static off workers before they touch susceptible chemicals or apparatus. The Electrically Conductive Anti-Fatigue mat quickly drains static electricity from workers before it can be passed on to sensitive equipment such as computers, cash registers or any product with a computer chip.
Most Anti Static Mats come under one of three classifications. These classifications include:
1.Conductive
2.Antistatic and
3.Non-Conductive.
Antistatic mats are made from different materials like vinyl and stainless steel fibers. They are available in various sizes, and colors to suit the décor and have anti-fatigue and slip resistant properties. Some are light duty mats meant for people to stand on or to place equipments. For applications like using under chairs and movement of laden carts, heavy-duty mats are required.
Something that you must consider before you purchase an Anti Static mat is the rate in which you want the static electricity to be discharged. If static electricity is discharged too quickly this may also cause damage to some equipment. It is therefore very important to consult a professional in the matting industry. Tell them what application you want the mat for and they should be able to give you good advice on the most appropriate mat. If they can't do this, find someone who knows what they are talking about. Most good manufacturers will provide guidance to you and help you to select the most appropriate mat type.
For maximum control against static electrical build up, use anti static mats on floors and work spaces, and have employees wear anti static wrist bands, heel bands and provide them with conductive shoes. To eliminate these hazards in YOUR workplace use Electrically Conductive Mats and Static Dissipative Mats to protect your investments and your people.
Greg Humphrey has worked in the industrial matting industry for over 23 years. He is an expert author who loves to write about industrial matting solutions.
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