ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) and Cleanroom Safe Shoes are specialized personal protective equipment (PPE)
designed for environments where even minute particles or a tiny electrostatic spark can cause catastrophic damage to products and processes.
Key Technical Parameters
When selecting ESD/Cleanroom shoes, the following technical parameters are critical for compliance and performance:
Electrical Resistance (ASTM F2416-11):
Range: Typically between 10^5 Ω (100 kΩ) and 10^9 Ω (1 GΩ).
Purpose: This range is crucial for safely dissipating static charge from the human body to a grounded (ESD) floor at a controlled rate,
preventing a sudden discharge that could damage sensitive components.
Heel Resistance (EN 61340-4-5 / ANSI/ESD S9.1):
Range: Less than 10^9 Ω per shoe.
Purpose: Ensures a reliable electrical path from the person's heel through the shoe to the ESD flooring.
Particle Generation & Shedding (IEST-RP-CC005.3):
Measurement: Low to zero-linting materials (e.g., monofilament, static-dissipative PVC/polyurethane).
Purpose: To minimize the contamination of the cleanroom environment by not shedding fibers or particles from the shoe's upper material or sole.
Chemical Resistance:
Specification: Resistance to common cleaning agents, solvents, and mild acids used in cleanroom sanitation protocols.
Construction & Design:
Seamless/Urethane Bonded Construction: Minimizes particle traps and shedding points.
Full-Bootie Design: Prevents contaminants from being carried in from the wearer's socks or clothing.
Distinctive Features & Characteristics
ESD/Cleanroom shoes are engineered with specific features that differentiate them from standard footwear:
Dual-Functionality: Provides both ESD protection and cleanroom compatibility in a single product.
Non-Marking Soles: Made from specialized compounds that do not leave scuff marks or residues on cleanroom floors.
Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: Smooth, non-porous uppers that can be easily wiped down with appropriate cleanroom disinfectants.
Comfort and Safety: Designed for long-term wear with features like cushioned insoles, arch support,
and often slip-resistant outsoles for safety on wet or oily floors.
Durability: Constructed from high-quality materials that withstand repeated cleaning and sterilization cycles without degrading.
Compliance Markings: Clearly marked with relevant standards (e.g., ESD Symbol, "SD" for Static Dissipative,
"CD" for Conductive) for easy audit and verification.
Primary Application Scope
These specialized shoes are essential in any industry where electrostatic control and particulate contamination are critical concerns:
Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing:
Production of microchips, circuit boards, and hard drives.
Assembly of sensitive electronic components and devices.
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology:
Sterile drug manufacturing and filling.
Research and development labs handling sensitive biological materials.
Medical Device Manufacturing:
Production of implants, diagnostic equipment, and surgical tools.
Aerospace & Defense:
Assembly and testing of avionics, guidance systems, and communication equipment.
Flat Panel & LED Display Production:
Manufacturing processes where static can attract dust, creating defects, and discharges can damage thin-film transistors.
Data Centers & Server Rooms:
Protecting sensitive server hardware and storage arrays during maintenance and installation.
