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01.09.2017

ESD in the laboratory - Charges affect laboratory work


Laboratory chair | ESD

How electrostatic charge can jeopardize accurate results



Hygiene is a prerequisite and top priority in any laboratory. Whether in pharmaceuticals, bio-technology, chemistry, healthcare or medical technology, a clean working environment is a necessity that goes without saying. This is because there is nowhere else that contamination can cause such damage to research results other than in the laboratory. And it is not only the dust and dirt you can see that cause problems, but also the smallest, invisible contaminants. Something that should not be underestimated when it comes to laboratory hygiene is the aspect of electrostatic charge. This can have an enormous impact on laboratory results. Yet what is the connection here between ESD and the laboratory chair?



ESD at the workplace and its impact

Everyone knows that when you rub a balloon against your clothing a static charge is created. The friction caused by the rubbing, transfers electrons from the material to the balloon. An electric field is created from this surplus of electrons, which is referred to as static electricity - or electrostatic charge. The balloon thus appears magnetic. The smallest of particles stick to it - for example, dust and dirt. If an electrostatically charged object touches a grounded object, such as a radiator for example, This can lead to small, unpleasant shocks. In many laboratories, for example such as those used in microelectronics, ESD poses a particularly significant danger discharge occurs (electrostatic discharge, in short ESD). This can lead to small unpleasant shocks. In many laboratories, for example such as those used in microelectronics, ESD poses a particularly significant danger. For semiconductors, this could be compared to lightening striking a tree. Thus components can be very badly damaged. While the danger when working with electronics is primarily from discharge, charging is the big problem in the laboratory. The small particles that stick to the electrostatically-charged surfaces may have an impact on the hygienic conditions and the resulting contamination can lead to inaccurate results or even render the findings completely useless.



Preventing charge with ESD laboratory chairs

The laboratory is a working environment in which very high demands are placed on its equipment. Any object found in this room must have the properties necessary for work in the respective field. A good laboratory chair will generally have a hygienic design concept, which counteracts any kind of contamination through easy-to-clean material and form-fitted design. Furthermore, when it comes to laboratory hygiene, the prevention of electrostatic charge is an important factor. As electrostatic charge results from friction, it could be described as a secondary effect of movement. The object that moves around the most in a laboratory is a constant work companion: the laboratory chair. The topic of ESD is particularly important in laboratories where the chairs must meet the strictest of hygiene requirements. With a guaranteed conductivity of the upholstery, steel parts, plastic, castors and glides, as well as a comprehensive conduction of all components, an electrostatic charge of the chair can be reliably prevented. There are thus no impurities deposited on the chair and contamination is prevented.







Bimos boasts a variety of ESD-compliant laboratory chairs and thus the right product to meet your special requirements. Click on the link below to discover the Bimos laboratory portfolio.




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