Floors should not remain static
January 1st 2005

Flooring selection can be a more complicated process than it first appears. Here Flowcrete gives advice on where the most up to date information can be found, especially in the area of anti-static flooring

Temperature changes, liquids, impact, abrasion and chemicals can all have an effect on a floor’s performance.

However, add static to the mix and the result can be potentially explosive. Anti-static flooring systems are an important feature for explosive environments, including powder handling areas and the electronics industry.

Pharmaceutical production plants are just one example of areas notoriously vulnerable to the build-up of electrostatic charges. A potentially lethal combination of a hard surface used by nylon wheeled trucks, human traffic and combustible powder processing has led flooring manufacturers to focus their attention on new anti-static products to combat this problem.

Anti-static flooring systems vary and can include the construction of a network of copper strips, along which static electricity dissipates to a series of earthing points.

Such floors allow any electrical charge to safely dissipate to earth, therefore preventing the build-up of static electricity.

The major hazard with static electricity is the possible ignition of flammable vapours or powders. Other hazards include unexpected shock in humans, false reading in sensitive instruments and damage to electronic circuits.

Ultimately, to ensure the correct specification of a flooring system that is fit for purpose, it is advisable to call a professional flooring manufacturing company and let their technical service department guide you through the correct process of specialist flooring. Furthermore, information from FeRFA, The Resin Flooring Association, can be downloaded at www.ferfa.org.uk and includes an insight into the issue of anti-static flooring. In particular, the FeRFA Guide the ‘Selection of Synthetic Resin Flooring’ lists the different types of synthetic resin flooring and explores which are available in anti-static grades.

Developments to anti-static flooring now mean that systems can be installed which not only perform a protective role, but also look attractive too. An example of this is reflected in a recent installation of an antistatic system at Invertek Drives in Welshpool, by Flowcrete Specialist Flooring.

Invertek Drives design, manufacture and market electronic variable speed drives.

Established in 1998, the company’s products are exported by distributors in 30 countries across the globe. For their new facility, Invertek wanted an anti-static floor capable of preventing damage to electronic components and sub assemblies caused by static electricity. They also wanted it to promote a ‘high technology facility’ and reflect the fresh and innovative feel of the plant.

Almost 1000 square metres of anti-static flooring were installed at the site in a grey and purple colour scheme. Capeland, based in Rugeley, Staffordshire, installed the anti-static system over a concrete base in just four days. Charles Haspel, operations manager of Invertek Drives, said: “We wanted an anti-static floor that fitted in with our ambition to develop a showcase manufacturing plant.

“We export around 95 per cent of our output and, as a result, have a lot of overseas customers who often visit us and it is important we create the right impression.

“The surroundings also help convey a message about how we operate, in a professional and clear manner.

“The floor has lived up to our expectations and we are very pleased with the result.” Andrew Gwyther, divisional director of Flowcrete Specialist Flooring, based in Sandbach, Cheshire, said: “Flooring companies are seeing more and more emphasis on aesthetics in the flooring of modern manufacturing environments and that applies to specialist systems too such as anti-static products, as well as hygienic floors and hard-wearing terrazzo.

“The floor at Invertek is a technology in itself, with its anti-static qualities. It also looks superb and reflects the dynamic and innovative nature of the company.”

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