Our ESD Guide for Workbenches
Posted on March 5th 2026 by Hannah Tilley.
Updated on: March 26th 2026.
What is an ESD Workbench?
A ESD Workbench is designed to create a controlled environment for safe dissipation of static electricity. This is ideal for work with electronic components, sensors, circuit boards, microchips and much more. Even the smallest discharge, such as 10V can cause damage to your equipment, so an ESD Workbench is vital for working with electronics regularly.
Whilst ESD Workbenches are not required, in the electronics industry, they are often expected to meet industry standards to protect electronic devices and equipment and meet compliance. We suggest ESD testing on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on usage and environment.
Key benefits of an ESD Bench?
- Protection – These benches protect operators and reduce risk of damage to the components their working on. This reduces damage and order issues and improves workplace welfare.
- Saves money – ESD Benches only improve your business, reducing costly errors, replacements of damages and more.
- Productivity – Employees feeling confident in their work, testing and safe from electrostatic discharge is essential to improving productivity in the workplace to enhance efficiency and taskflow.
- Customisable Options – Depending on what you require, you can create your own ESD Bench to suit your specific needs. We also offer bespoke requirements and pre-built kit options available.
- Industry Standards – ESD Workstations display compliance during audits and inspections, to show a controlled and safe work environment.
If you already have a workbench, upgrading to ESD is a great solution when working in electronics manufacturing. Alternatively, if you are looking to upgrade your ESD bench we have a range of options from budget to specialist benches.
Anti-Static ESD Accessories
As workbench specialists, we have a range of anti-static accessories to customise your bench tailored to your workflow and create an esd protected area. Below are just some of our accessories available and their uses.
Some key accessories to consider adding are:
Earth/Ground Wrist straps– These allow static to travel safely to the ground for ESD protection. Please note that wrist strap sockets are included as standard for attaching the wrist strap accessories.
RCD Circuit Breaker– This is a life-saving device which prevents electric shocks from occurring, making it an important solution when working with electrical components. In addition, this provides extra protection against electrical fires.
Earth/Ground Plug – This plug is built to discharge static energy over time. It creates a safe path to ground for electricity, which can ultimately save lives if a bare live wire is touched.
3 Pin Plug
Above & Below Bench Accessories
There is a range of general ESD bench accessories that we offer, below-bench accessories include storage options, including cupboards, single and triple drawers. These are available in many colours to suit your personal preference.
Above-bench accessories include rear support posts, a laminate upper shelf, a flat monitor, a louvre panel, a fitted service duct, LED lighting and much more.
Additional ESD Accessories
To further improve your workplace ergonomics and comfort during long hours, there are a few more accessories we recommend. Ensure your area is dry and clean and that the area is restricted to essential workers only. Moreover, ESD protection clothing and PPE may be required, depending on your work environment.
Matting
The Coba Anti-static mat is suitable for dry indoor environments and features underfoot grip for busy days standing at a bench.
The mat has a 9mm thickness and fire tested to EN 13501-1 Standards. It is designed to reduce static build-up and is ideal for areas with under 240 volts.
Industrial Stools
An industrial stool is a great idea for operators who spend long periods standing, to improve workplace ergonomics and comfort at work. A chair we recommend is the Ergonomics ESD Chair with Castors, ideal for use in electrical industries. In addition, it features an adjustable back mechanism and a tilting seat. The chair is suitable for ESD use, to prevent build up of static energy, as well as being ESC compliant.
Choosing the right workbench
Before purchasing your next workbench, there are a few things to consider to meet your workplace needs. This includes choosing the correct load capacity to suit your needs, and a worktop suited to your daily uses. Moreover, the workplace may require specific requirements with tailored accessories to suit the workplace.
ESD Worktop Options
Choosing the right ESD work surface depends on the static dissipative features of your day-to-day tasks. Both worktops are made of high quality, suitable for an electrostatic protected area and ideal choices for a soldering station.
NEOSTAT VS LAMSTAT
Features of Neostat:
- Synthetic rubber-based sheet cover for worktop (overall worktop is 20mm thick)
- Surface has a lightly embossed texture to eliminate glare
- Highly resilient to heat, hot solder and flux resistant
- Leakage Resistance: is 106 – 108 ohms
- Light reflection: 29%
- Complies to BS EN 61340-5-1:2001 – Protection of Electric Devices from static charge
Features of Lamstat:
- 8mm Thick plastic esd laminate worktop (overall worktop is 20mm thick with core)
- Resistant to heat, molten solder, oil pot test 20 minutes at 180 degrees and cigarette tests
- Abrasion and scratch resistance Level 3 Class H to EN438
- Leakage Resistance: is 106 – 108 ohms conforming to BS IEC 61340-5-1
- Chemical Resistance: resistant to organic solvents, weak acids, alkaline, petrol and oil
- Meets the requirements of EN438
Contact our team
As Leading Workbench Suppliers in the UK, we offer free site visits for large projects to discuss your needs and bespoke amendments such as brand colours, sizes, storage options and accessories. Moreover, we have a dedicated sales team to get you the very best quote with bulk-buy discounts available. Speak to our team via live chat, email or phone.
