There is a vast amount of technical information to consider when selecting static-free flooring in controlled environments—and it would be short-sighted to look for shortcuts in the process. In the final analysis, the key concepts are prevention and protection.

To prevent ESD problems, select the flooring option that best meets current and anticipated industry specifications. While there are different variables, here is what industry sources recommend for cleanrooms and electronic manufacturing facilities:

•Conductive Rubber, the only ESD flooring certified as Class-0 Qualified, is rated “ideal;” it also has low body voltage generation.
•Conductive Vinyl Tile and Conductive Epoxy may also be suitable.
•Other flooring options are not recommended.
As far as protection, if you plan wisely from the get-go, you can avoid costly liability issues later on. We encourage installation floor audits to determine if you are ground safe.

In short, when it comes to ESD flooring in controlled environments, it makes sense to exercise maximum control.

This cleanroom tip was taken from “Why Static-Control Flooring Is So Important – And How to Find Solutions to Keep You Grounded,” which appeared in the January 2012 issue of Controlled Environments.