Q. We have just installed ESD flooring and would like information regarding the procedures for testing the flooring and the time intervals between testing.

A. There are three generally accepted procedures for testing static-control floor materials used in the electronics environment. All three are published by the ESD Association and can be obtained by contacting the association at 7900 Turin Rd., Bldg. 3, Rome, NY 13440-2069; Tel: 315-339-6937; Fax: 315-339-6793; E-mail: info@esda.org; Internet: http://www.esda.org.

ESD STM7.1: Floor Materials—Resistive Characterization of Materials provides test methods for measuring the electric resistance of floor materials before installation or application and for evaluating and monitoring materials after installation or application.

ANSI ESD STM97.1: Floor Materials and Footwear—Resistance in Combination with a Person provides a test method for measuring the electrical resistance of floor materials, footwear, and personnel together, as a system.

ANSI ESD STM97.2: Floor Materials and Footwear—Voltage Measurement in Combination with a Person provides a test method for measuring the electrostatic voltage on a person in combination with floor materials and footwear, as a system.

All three documents describe the equipment needed for the measurements, as well as the procedures themselves. Typically STM7.1 would be used for evaluating and monitoring the floor material itself. STM97.1 or STM97.2 would be used to evaluate the system (floor, footwear, and person) as a whole.

The frequency of testing and intervals between testing largely depend upon the specific environment. If the flooring is installed in high-traffic environments or in areas subject to dirt, chemical spillage, or splattered solder on the floor, you may want to test more frequently than in less-harsh areas. Dirt, chemicals, and other contaminants can build up an insulating layer on the floor. It is important to know the frequency at which this occurs so proper maintenance procedures can be implemented. If finishes are used as a static control material, it is critical to know when the finish needs to be reapplied.

Initially, testing at 30–60-day intervals is a reasonable testing frequency. If floors show no problems during this test interval, then the interval between testing can be lengthened. If, however, the floor regularly shows problems at the selected intervals, intervals should be shortened.

It is also a good idea to test floors after each maintenance cycle to be sure that the correct maintenance materials were used and that the floor has not been damaged by the use of improper maintenance materials. A primary goal of testing is to identify potential problems and to take the necessary corrective action.

To submit your questions to the ESD Help Desk or to browse the archives of past questions and answers, go on-line at http://www.ce-mag.com/esdhelp.html. Information on the ESD Association may be found at http://www.esda.org.