3oTrimestre14 | PROTECCIÓN LABORAL 80 Updated products ESD Panter Technology, effective electrostatic protection The Electro Static Discharge (ESD) is a physi- cal phenomenon that causes a sudden, momentary electrical flow between two objects of different potential power. The movement of the worker (just walking across the floor) can generate an electrostatic accretion. The accumulation of uncontrolled electric charge may involve a problem in many industry sectors, but particularly in those situ- ations where highly flammable materials are present. Some explosive atmospheres are sen- sitive enough to be ignited by electrostatic dis- charge. These atmospheres are often formed by gases, vapors, solvents or combustible dusts. Explosive substances and materials in the presence of oxygen-rich atmospheres are also very sensitive to electrostatic ignition. The common denominator is the high sensi- tivity to electrostatic ignition, or what is the same, the low MIE index (Minimum Ignition Energy). In these cases, an arc or spark pro- duced by footwear can be fatal. ESD Shoes Given the problems of static electricity, footwear has become an important element of electrostatic control in many areas of work. There are two types of footwear to pre- vent electrostatic accumulation. The control of undesired static electricity is vital when staff is working in processes, objects or materials sensitive to such charges, among these, the production or handling of electronic components or equipment. A suit- able way to provide a discharge grounding connection to people is through their feet as they step on a suitable surface for electrosta- tic control. For this reason, when ESD footwear is used, it should be considered that shoes alone cannot provide protection; a proper ESD floor (conductive) is also required. ative ESD technology in most of the refer- ences that conform the vast catalogue of the company’s safety footwear. Panter ESD technology is mainly based on an insole with anti-static properties, which insulates the foot from electric charge, divert- ing electricity to the earth, thus preventing its accumulation in the body. This ESD insole has been designed taking into account the requirements of the UNE-EN 61340-4-3:2005 on the making of items which may be dam- aged by electrostatic discharge. By means of this technology, the shoes become an important element of electro- static control and therefore an ally of the professionals in the electronics (and other activities), since they get a discharging grounding connection through their feet while being standing or walking on a floor surface appropriately designed for electro- static control. The UNE-EN 61340-4-3:2005 describes the test method for determining the electrical resistance of shoes used to control electrosta- tic charge on personnel. The rule establishes two classifications: -Electrostatic Conductive Footwear. Footwear with lower resistance than 0.1 MΩ. -Dissipative Electrostatic Footwear. Its electrical resistance is in the range between 0.1 MΩ and 100 MW. Electrostatic protection by Panter Panter, Spanish manufacturer and leading brand of safety and uniformity shoes, is a pioneer in electrostatic protection, that has been offering its customers, in the last decade, the possibility of including its innov-