Anti-static ESD chairs for the Lab and Workplace

ESD or “Electro Static Discharge” is the electrostatic discharge of charged objects or persons. Having ESD protection involves the protection of extremely sensitive components such as microelectronic components during their production, further processing and delivery. The energy created by static discharge in a semiconductor can be compared to lighting striking a tree – therefore electrostatic discharges can cause serious damage in electronic components

ESD workplaces have special requirements when it comes to design and equipment and one of the key requirements is suitable furnishings such as the work chair. The anti-static compliant chair (ESD chair) is an important part of reliable ESD-protection at the electronic workplace. Any standard chair represents a typical source of electric charge by the chair rollers on the floor and even the simple movement of the person sitting on it can cause significant electrostatic charges.

The right chair for the ESD workplace

So what does the perfect ESD chair look like? First of all, it corresponds to the European standard EN 61340-5-1 at a minimum. This is a must. This standard governs that the resistance of all surfaces of an ESD chair that come into contact with the human body must have a floor contact point of 1010 O. This is of paramount importance. In order to be able to meet the requirements of this standard, the upholstery and all plastics, steel parts, rollers and glides, i.e. all chair components, must be conductive. The right materials must be selected and combined correctly. However, the charge created unknowingly by the chair’s user must also be reliably conducted to the ground.

The right ESD chair = Reliable protection + supportive ergonomics

An ESD workplace often involves long periods of what is primarily static sitting. In order to create optimum ergonomic conditions for the employees, it is important that the ESD chair can be easily and individually adapted to personal requirements, as only then is the perfect sitting comfort guaranteed. The seat’s height, angle, depth and backrest must be adjustable as well as features such as regulation of body weight and armrests, as well as a permanent contact backrest. The person sitting in the chair must always be well supported, even when carrying out unfavourable movements and the shape of the seat shell must allow for maximum freedom of movement.