What is ESD? A guide to an ESD-safe space.
Posted on May 21st 2025 by Libby Collins.
What does ESD mean? A guide to an ESD-safe space. ESD stands for Electrostatic discharge. These are small sparks of electricity that you can’t often feel, but can be damaging. Our ESD workbenches are designed to prevent the build up of static electricity. Without the use of ESD protection, several things can go wrong.
When working with circuits or any type of electrical components, you and the components create static. If it is not able to dissipate, it remains inside the component, which can cause it to trip or not work. ESD workbenches ensure that the static can escape the component and be grounded.
When would you require an ESD Workbench? 🔌
Even a small static discharge as low as 10 volts, can damage sensitive electronics. These are items such as microchips, circuit boards, microprocessors, diodes, sensors and much more. Their vulnerability is due to tiny internal parts which are destroyed by even the tiniest static spark.
What can happen when you don’t use ESD protection? ⚠️
When working with electronics, even a small static charge can cause things such as:
- Broken or weakened electronic parts
- Products that fail or stop working
- Expensive costs for repairs and replacements
ESD protection safely removes the static, protecting your electronics. This is important if you are selling the products you are working on, as it is important that when they reach the customer, they all work correctly.
What tasks require an ESD Workbench?
Building or assembling electronics – such as soldering circuit boards, replacing chips, and other internal compartments.
Repairing or servicing electronics – such as fixing phones, laptops or gaming consoles.
Quality control and inspection – like measuring and inspecting electronics.
As a general rule, if you’re working with exposed electronics or circuit boards, it’s best to assume you need an ESD Workbench.
How to create an EPA
An EPA is an electrostatic protected area. You will need an area like this if you’re working with extremely sensitive components. Here is the checklist to create your own EPA.
- Use a suitable area: find a clean, dry area and avoid carpet
- Install an ESD-safe Workbench: connect the work surface to the ground using a grounding court
- Use ESD Mats: helps to protect standing workers
- Wear personal grounding equipment: such as wrist straps
- Control materials inside the EPA: only use ESD-safe tools and anti-static bags
- Mark the EPA: use floor tape and only allow trained employees into the area
- Use ESD-safe clothing: anti-static lab coats, gloves and hair nets
What options for ESD Workbenches are available?
- Neostat or Lamstat worktop options
- Fully welded square tube steel framework
- 500kg UDL
- Fitted with 4mm wrist strap sockets
- 4 widths available
- Wide range of above, below and anti-static bench accessories
Explore our ESD Workbench kits, and Cantilever ESD options on our website!
ESD accessories to fit our Workbenches
This plug allows any static charge to discharge over time. It can save lives if a bare live wire is accidentally touched, as it creates a safe path to ground electricity.
This circuit breaker is a life-saving device which prevents electric shocks. It also provides some protection against electrical fires.
These wrist straps attach to the Earth/ground, which allows static to travel safely to the ground.
What are Lamstat and Neostat Worktops?
When customising your ESD Workbenches, there are 2 worktop options these are Lamstat and Neostat. These worktops offer different properties to tailor to different requirements.
Lamstat ESD Worktops are 20mm thick all together. The leakage resistance is 10 to the power of 6-10 to the power of 8 ohms.
This worktop is resistant to heat, molten solder, and oil pot tested for 20 minutes at 180°. It meets the requirements of EN438. It’s also abrasion and scratch resistant to level 3 Class H to EN43. Resistant to organic solvents, weak acids, alkaline, petrol and oil, meeting the requirements of EN438.
Neostat ESD Worktops are made from a synthetic rubber material. They have a leakage resistance of 10 to the power of 6-10 to the power of 8 ohms. Ideal for assembly, inspection and test applications where live equipment is not exposed.
The finish has a slightly embossed texture to eliminate glare, perfect for working with small parts. It conforms to BS EN 61340-5-1:2001, which ensures the protection of electric devices from electrostatic phenomena. Neostat is highly resilient to heat, hot solder and flux.
Other examples of ESD-safe products
- Certified to the European standard EN 61340-5 1:2001
- Ideal for use in electrical industries, for safe static dissipation
- Prevents build up of static by slowly removing it
- Available with feet or wheels
- Height adjustable
Explore our range of other ESD Chairs on our website!
- Grounded via a 10mm male stud fitted onto the mat
- Tested to EN 140041
- Fire tested to EN 13501-1
- Thickness is 9mm
- Features anti-fatigue properties
- PVC foam suitable for dry indoor environments
- Multiple sizes available
Check out more ESD Matting at Workplace Products!
Need more information? ☎️
Our Workbenches are guaranteed to offer safety and security throughout the entire unit. For larger orders, we can offer free site visits. These are ideal for larger areas that aren’t sure of their exact requirements. Our expert team will come to your environment, measure your space, create drawings and CAD designs to create the perfect solution. If this is something you would benefit from, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
For any other enquiries, please contact our sales team, available via live chat, email or phone.
