How Anti Static Workwear Works

Anti static workwear is a mainstay in many working environments. Antistatic trousers and antistatic jackets may be essential in protecting the safety of your workers and the equipment they use. 

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage sensitive electrical equipment and cause a fire or explosion. Furthermore, fires, explosions, and equipment damage can result from even a tiny spark and release of electrostatic energy.

Static energy can be invisible, silent, and something you wouldn’t feel at all or may feel like a small electric shock. It can also be as significant as a lightning strike.

Wherever there is a possibility of electrostatic phenomena or work involving flammable materials, including solvents and paints, it is essential to wear anti static workwear designed to prevent electrostatic discharge.

The industries, professions, and operations that may indicate that the wearing of anti static workwear is prudent or vital include:

• Electricians
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Mechanics
• Assembly
• Components handling
• Maintenance
• Utilities
• Inspection
• Warehouse
• Manual handling
• Material handling
• Hardware
• Transportation
• Automation

Here we take a look at how anti static workwear works.

The Science Behind Our Workwear

Electrostatic discharge occurs when there is an imbalance of a positive or negative charge on the surface of materials. This charge can build up through the motion of two surfaces rubbing together. It can be classically observed by rubbing a balloon on your clothing and moving it to your hair, which will stand on end and touch the balloon as the electrons move from one surface to the other. 

However, it is not just motion that can cause static build-up. Industries that use human-made materials, such as plastics, are also prone to electrostatic discharge. The use of dry air heating and air conditioning in enclosed spaces further raises the risks by creating a low-humidity environment, which is conducive for exacerbating the likelihood of static release.

The fibres in the fabric of the anti static workwear prevent the build-up of static charge. The fibres do this by allowing static to dissipate through the garment and into the ground, earth, or air.

Protective Clothing

As more and more industries, products, and services are delivered and created using technology and microchips, the need for anti-static PPE is increasing. Your anti static workwear should be EN 1149 compliant.

Workwear made from EN 1149-1 compliant fabric stops static charge build-up via conduction through a grid of carbon or metal fibres in the garment. Clothing made from EN 1149-3 compliant materials release electrostatic charge into the air. This process occurs quickly to ensure the electrostatic charge does not build up.

Anti static workwear often meets other standards, making them flame and heat retardant. To ensure complete safety, your workers may also need to wear not just antistatic overalls but anti static shoes and IEC 61340 protective gloves designed for working with electronic devices.

To find out more about how our anti static workwear rental can give you a cost-effective and convenient workwear solution, please contact our team.