Nowadays it is almost impossible not to be in environments where there are sources of electricity. Although this is on the one hand a synonym for advancement, on the other hand it constitutes an important risk for the human being around. It is therefore good to always be protected against possible shock risks in workplaces where the sources of electricity are even higher than in other places of life.
Wearing the right PPE, including antistatic clogs, can be of considerable help in dissipating any electrostatic charges from the electronic equipment we use in our work.
Protecting Against Electrical Shocks
Every employer has a duty to keep electrical installations in proper working order so that there are no loose wires, corroded terminals and other problems that could cause a nasty shock.
But this does not mean that all risks have disappeared.
A good employer will also consider other safety measures, including the use of appropriate anti-static footwear. Reposa produces several types of professional anti-static shoes and clogs, which protect the operator by discharging electrostatic shocks.
Antistatic and ESD Applications
ESD footwear differs from more common anti-static footwear in its dissipative capacity, which constantly discharges electrical charges to earth, preventing them from accumulating.
To give the clogs this property, a hi-tech rubber plug has been designed and inserted into the sole. The advantages of these enhancements:
-Resistance to time: while the anti-static properties are often subject to variability and usage, as a result of use, maintenance and washing, the plug is perfectly incorporated into the sole and is imperceptible to the wearer and when walking.
-Safety: even the position of the plug is not random! It is located at the height of the metatarsus, which is the point of more contact between the foot and the ground.
-Performance: this innovation improves and stabilizes the anti-static values, giving the clog ESD properties.
Antistatic
Antistatic (A) means that the PPE’s priority is to disperse electrostatic charges by preventing them from accumulating on the surface of the shoe itself, thus avoiding the sudden transfer of electricity from an electrically charged object to the operator’s body: in other words, it prevents the user from being shocked by coming into contact with electrically charged objects.
Static electricity builds up everywhere. It occurs when two materials rub together. It can even occur on the sole of your foot, the static charge will create a build-up of electricity as your foot constantly touches and rubs against the floor.
This can result in an electric shock when you touch an electrical object.
To prevent this, any product with antistatic properties should be worn, specifically shoes. They will stop the build-up of static electricity and negate the likelihood of a charge.
ESD
ESD means that the PPE, the footwear in this case, constantly discharges energy to the ground, protecting not only the operator, but also the machinery he uses and with which he comes into contact. In fact, some electronic equipment is at risk of damage if the right preventive measures are not taken, as it is sensitive to electricity and may be damaged by electrical discharges.
Electrostatic discharge takes this a step further. The footwear doesn’t just prevent a static build-up of electricity, it actively discharges electricity before it can build up.
This is particularly useful when dealing with electronic equipment. Many electronic items are highly sensitive to changes in voltage. By using shoes certified to ESD the charge will be removed before it can damage any of the electronic components.
In short, an antistatic device will protect you, and ESD will protect you and the equipment you are working with.
Reposa anti-static footwear
All Reposa footwear lines are equipped with antistatic capabilities, thus ensuring greater safety for the user.
The sterilisable line has recently undergone a further upgrade, being classified as ESD.
By incorporating ESD certification Reposa has given to its clogs an added value.
Wearing antistatic or even ESD footwear is also important, contrary to what we might imagine, in the healthcare sector, where doctors and healthcare workers often have to deal with sophisticated and special electronic equipment.
ESD Technology In Shoes
Why is ESD an added value to professional footwear?
Maximum effectiveness
This is evident in the Reposa clog as the rubber plug is The position on the ESD insert in the Reposa professional clogs is not random. In fact, it is located at the height of the metatarsus, which is the maximum point of contact between foot and ground. This position therefore ensures maximum effectiveness of the ESD property.
Performance and Comfort
The rubber plug has been specially designed to boost the antistatic properties of the shoe and give it ESD properties, yet maintaining the highest comfort to the user The plus is for this reason perfectly incorporated in the sole, so that is it imperceptible to the fit.
Durability
The ESD properties of Reposa footwear are not subject to decline over time due to wearing and washing. They remain unchanged due to the fact that the plug is co-moulded and cannot be removed from the clog.