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Even if you have heard of ESD, you might be wondering the answer to the question, “What is ESD?”
Everyone knows that electronic devices emit electrostatic charges. But many companies and individuals need to take the right precautions to protect themselves and the environment from electrostatic discharge (ESD).
The result?
Computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, printers, copiers, monitors, and external hard drives can all be vulnerable to ESD damage.
By reading this post, you discover the answer to the question, “What is ESD?” You also learn how to protect yourself from the problems ESDs can cause.
Keep reading to find out more about the dangers of ESD, why you should care about it as an employee or user, and how you can protect yourself from electrostatic discharge at home or in your workspace.
Let’s begin by exploring the answer to the question, “What is ESD?”
What is Electrostatic Discharge?
What is ESD?
ESD stands for “Electrostatic discharge.”
Electrostatic discharge happens when a charged object comes into contact with an uncharged object. The resulting force is so great that it can create sparks and arcs between objects of different electrical charges. While static electricity occurs naturally as we move around or breathe in oxygen, ESDs are created by human activity like working with electrical equipment or handling cash — especially if those EDS are generated in an uncontrolled manner.
Electrostatic discharge can cause severe damage to electronics, such as laptops, smartphones, printers, copiers, and external hard drives. It can also result in burns and other injuries, including burns to the skin, eyes, and mouth. Electrostatic damage can even result in permanent hearing loss and damage to medical equipment, such as heart defibrillators.
This type of damage is preventable. Electrostatic discharge occurs only as a result of human activity, such as working with high-static-electricity equipment or handling high-static-electricity cash.
Now that we know the answer to “What is ESD?” let’s examine how to avoid the dangers of ESDs.
How to Avoid ESD Injuries and Damage
There are several things you can do to prevent ESD injuries and damage.
ESDs happen more easily with the clutter of objects that emit different static levels. It is important then to clean your work area and make sure your work area is free of any materials that could create static electricity. In manufacturing, this might mean that you need to clean your work area of any carpeting or paper-like materials.
Equipment that generates a high level of static electricity, like copiers, computers, and industrial equipment, should be kept at least a few feet away from materials that could become charged, like paper, plastic, or clothing. Therefore, it is important to separate high-static-electricity equipment, if you have the space.
Also, try to use a lower voltage, if possible, to avoid electrostatic discharge.
Wear protective equipment. You may need protective clothing, such as a grounding wrist strap when working with certain high-static-electricity equipment. Bondline can ensure coverage by offering unisex clothing for employees having to handle high ESD environments.
Use ESD-protecting materials. You may need to use ESD-protecting materials when working with certain high-static-electricity equipment.
It is important for your safety against ESD that you follow safe working procedures, such as only working on one circuit, not working at a high level of voltage, keeping work areas clean, and wearing protective clothing.
So, ESD may sound scary, but at the end of the day, it is something that can be easily controlled and maintained, ensuring you and your appliances are kept safe.
What is ESD? Frequently Asked Questions
What is ESD and its causes?
ESD stands for Electrostatic Discharge. An ESD is caused when a charged object comes into contact with another charged object. This can result in injuries. One preventive measure is to wear protective gear.
Wrapping Up: What is ESD and the Preventive Measures You Can Take
In closing, by reading this post, you discovered the answer to the question, “What is ESD?” You also found out how to protect yourself against the dangers of ESD.
Readers, please share so bloggers and other people who work with computers discover “What is ESD” and how to protect themselves against burns and other dangers.
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