Before we answer that, let's briefly review electrostatic discharge first.

Electrostatic Discharge or ESD: A Quick Review

Sometimes called the "invisible enemy", static electricity or ESD can wreak havoc in many work environments if not properly managed.

Static electricity is an electrical charge caused by an imbalance of electrons on the surface of a material. This imbalance produces an electrical field that can be measured and that can influence other objects at a distance. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the transfer of charges between bodies at different electrical potentials.

You're most likely aware of ESD at two extremes: the zap of that shock from striding across a carpet or witnessing the destructive nature of a lightning strike.

However, between these two extremes are electrostatic discharges found in workplace environments that can actually be costly or dangerous. Personnel shock injuries can range from a mild annoyance to a temporary loss of sight or hearing.

This same static discharge can ignite flammable mixtures and damage electronic components. Static electricity can also attract contaminants in clean environments or cause products to stick together. 

Why You Need ESD Shoes...

While there are physical and mechanical causes for ESD in manufacturing, technological or office environments, personnel are considered a primary cause of electrostatic discharge. In other words, The clothing and shoes personnel wear generate electrostatic charges when they scoot in and out of their chairs, or as they shuffle across the floors. It can even be unintentionally generated by shirt fabric rubbing up against the skin. 

Combined with ESD flooring, you can prevent damaging buildup of static discharge with ESD shoes. Static dissipative footwear is designed to reduce the accumulation of excess static electricity by conducting the body charge to the ground, while maintaining a high enough level of electrical resistance.

Industries that would benefit from ESD flooring and footwear include laboratories, clean rooms, hospitals, utility plants, high-tech manufacturing, car manufacturing and plastics, just to name a few.

What We Offer...

To offset potential damages from ESD, Ground Zero offers a variety of protective footwear:

• Sporty: We offer a variety of high-quality conductive, static dissipative & regular athletic oxfords and sneakers. Models include steel toe and comfortable padding.
• Casual: These casual shoes include conductive or static dissipative models for business casual or dressy environments. They feature steel toe design as well as comfortable padding.
• Steel Toe: Made for rigorous environments, these shoes protect personnel from ESD and accidents.
• Boots & Hikers: If you're looking for work boots with weatherproof qualities, we have those, too!

ESD Shoes channels the flow of electrons built up on the body choose to the ground rather than a destructive and costly path toward your electronics or work environment!