flooring that keeps you grounded

www.s

taticworx

.com

Ameriworx Vinyl Tile, durable

and precision-milled, meets

the static-control needs of

companies like Teradyne and

Philips Medical Management.

Are You Grounded?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a multi-billion-dollar problem affecting

multiple work environments—including electronics manufacturing,

mission-critical operations, data centers, call centers, explosives

handling, government, etc. As this “invisible threat” grows in intensity,

companies need to understand their risks and mitigate potential

problems, which may include equipment failure, downtime, fires,

explosions, and plant shutdowns. Staticworx was established to

address these needs and fill a void in the industry for customized

service and solutions.

Working with contractors, we have become the industry leader.

Follow us. See how static-free flooring can keep your worksite safe

and the planet healthy.

LifetimeConductivityWarranty

Staticworx is proud of these accolades and affiliations:

(One of the fastest-growing companies)

Products and ServicesWe provide lifetime warrantees for our products, which arebranded with the trusted Staticworx name and are guaranteedto meet international standards, including Class-0 ESD. We ensurebest-in-class options for our products like proprietary adhesivesthat enable low-odor, fast-track installations. We are also on thecutting edge of R&D to ensure first-to-market new technologies.

Products include:

• Rubber • Epoxy coatings

• Vinyl tile • Adhesives

• Carpet • Static-free maintenance supplies

• Snap-together, adhesive-free options

Our services include customized solutions for any installation,technical support, and maintenance. We start with a thorough

analysis of your situation and continue with spec-writing,certification, and post-installation support. Around-the-clock, we provide direct access to technical support toprevent problems.

Industry Accolades and ReputationWith 35 years of experience and testimonials from hundreds ofclients, Staticworx is known as the industry’s foremost authorityfor anti-static flooring as well as the most knowledgeableflooring manufacturer. We have earned the prestigiousESD Journal Seal of Approval and have been recognized byMIT Laboratories. We are also the industry’s most widelypublished and quoted source. See our online KnowledgeCenter at www.staticworx.com…follow our blog…sign upfor ground wire, our e-news bulletin.

Let us empower you with the right information…so you’ll have solutions to last a lifetime.

breaking new ground with ESD flooringCORPORATE OVERVIEW

Staticworx, North America’s leading producer of comprehensive flooring

products and services, protects worksites with static-free solutions. We are the

industry’s most cost-effective manufacturer, thanks to a factory-direct system,

warehouses on both coasts, and logistics partners that help to save time and

money and streamline communications. Perhaps our greatest advantage is

our knowledge base, which allows us to educate customers and serve as

sophisticated problem-solvers, not cookie-cutter salesmen. Among the courses

we provide are AIA (American Institute of Architects) continuing education.

“As ESD problems intensify, billions of dollars are at risk—and the

need for reliable ESD flooring solutions is critical. The industry needs

a knowledgeable source for customized products and services.

Through our experience, the best choice is Staticworx.”

– Ted Dangelmayer, CEO, Dangelmayer Associates, LLCESD industry’s leading analyst

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is known as “the invisible threat.” ESD events occur

all the time, but most go undetected because they occur below the level of

human sensory perception. Electronic equipment is much more sensitive than

we are to electrostatic discharge: Without proper safeguards, static impulses

zap digital telephony equipment, fry circuit boards and micro processors, and

knock out networked systems. In fact, static discharge can damage or destroy

most state-of-the art electronics. The result? A $5 billion problem affecting

manufacturing facilities and environments that use electronic parts.

ground control: we have a problemA SHOCKING ANALYSIS

Assessing Good and Bad NewsFortunately, installing the right anti-static flooring eliminatesthe source of ESD problems. Unfortunately, most companiesdon’t understand the risks and don’t install flooring that meetscorrect specifications. Part of the problem is a disconnectamong the architects, flooring distributors, manufacturers,contractors, and customers. Without sound technical advice,architects, contractors, and facility managers are apt tomake faulty assumptions that lead to ineffective flooringrecommendations. At Staticworx, unlike generic flooringmanufacturers, we don’t sell through distributors—we eliminateunnecessary middlemen, ensuring seamless communicationamong our technical department, your contractor, and you.

Choosing the right supplier is even more critical today due toadvances in high-speed electronic equipment. Computer chips

have become smaller and faster…and less able to withstandelectrical charges. Many environments now require zero-toleranceESD (less than 100 volts) protocols like constant grounding ofpersonnel. Adding to this problem, new studies show thatcircuit boards and systems may be more vulnerable to ESDthan the microelectronic components comprising them.Again, misunderstanding is rampant. And misdiagnosis leadsto very costly mistakes, including incorrect Class-0 ESD controls,excessive protection like shielding bags and air ionizers,unnecessary humidification controls—and more costs incurredthrough corrective action.

Ultimately, most ESD problems are not controlled throughproduct design and voltage control. The best way to avoidneedless investments and future headaches is to get it rightthe first time through the right flooring choice.

Electronics equipment manufacturers need zero-tolerance,static-free environments to produce parts and assemblies.International manufacturing standards require the use of specialanti-static footwear, static-shielded packaging, and groundedwristbands—but these standards are not always enforced, andworkers are often lax. In both the static-free manufacturingworld and end-user environments, maximum static protectioncan only be achieved by implementing fault-tolerant solutions.

How pervasive is this problem? Product losses amongcomponent manufacturers average 16%-22%; among endusers, the average is 27%-33% (see table).

Product Losses Due to Static Discharges

Min. Max. Est. Avg.Description Loss Loss Loss

ComponentManufacturers 4% 97% 16-22%

Subcontractors 3% 70% 9-15%

Contractors 2% 35% 8-14%

User 5% 70% 27-33%

Source: Stephen Halperin, “Guidelines for Static Control”

Assessing the CostsLet’s review the various levels of costs often associated with this issue: ineffective staticcontrols at the factory, incorrect problem diagnostics, equipment malfunction, shutdowns,repairs, component replacements, and related lawsuits.

Some ESD events are “catastrophic,” in which ESD destroys the assembly before it leavesthe factory. Sometimes, they are latent, causing partial product degradation, leading tosubstandard equipment performance followed by field failures and malfunctions.

The situation is probably even worse since many incidents aren’t reported. What followsare documented examples of the havoc caused by ESD:

• Fires and explosives. Hundreds of explosions at plants and fires in operating rooms.

• Damage to electronic parts. Catastrophic and latent ESD damage that results inbillions of dollars in lost revenue.

• Critical communications errors. Missed signals at 9-1-1 call centers, flight controlareas, etc.

• Multi-million-dollar law suits. Includes one against Palm Pilot in which static wastransferred from Palm cradles and then fried PC motherboards.

• Damage to sensitive medical equipment. Electronic equipment in hospitals—suchas dialysis, MRI machines, and fetal monitors—damaged by ESD.

The problem is pervasive and formidable, and it won’t go away unless companies performdue diligence. That means adhering to best practices and partnering with a trusted,knowledgeable solutions provider.

At Staticworx, we remove your risks. We protect you from thebottom up, and that includes your bottom line.

At Staticworx, we work closely with generalcontractors and installers to ensure thatyour flooring meets exact specifications.

Empower yourself with information.

Log onto www.staticworx.com and

check out our published articles

and Knowledge Center.

Our Flooring Meets or ExceedsThese Specifications:

• NFPA 99• ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007• FAA-STD-019• DOD Manual 4145.26-M• AATCC 134• Motorola R56 Standard• Federal Test Method Standard

101C Method 4046

What is the issue at hand?Electricity needs to move, but “static charges” in the workplacedon’t naturally return to the earth unless they are grounded.Without the proper static-conductive flooring, static chargestransfer from people to equipment like circuit boards, servers,and networked computers. The problem is, these devices can’talways withstand the electrical surges. And without grounding,the consequences can be disastrous.

What is static electricity and ESD?Static electricity results from contact and separationbetween objects. When a person’s shoe contactsflooring, the body becomes charged. When thecharged person touches other objects, electro-static discharge (ESD) occurs. This is anESD event.

How do you know if static isa problem in the work area?Most ESD events are invisible.While people can’t feel staticdischarges below 3,500 volts,electronic equipment can beharmed by discharges as low as10 volts. Without the right flooring,you don’t realize there’s a problemuntil it’s too late. And to preventfuture problems, your static-conductive flooring needs toperform as long as your workarea is operational.

What is static-control flooring and whyis it so important?Correctly specified flooring—rubber, tile, carpet, or epoxy—controls static discharges on personnel and equipment.These flooring solutions prevent static discharge from harmingsensitive electronics and compromising mission-criticaloperations. They ensure safe, ongoing operations withno interruption.

What problems are caused by static discharge?Problems range from inconveniences to crises. These includeunintended signals to equipment, data corruption, droppedcalls, damage to electronic components, shutdowns, hearingloss, explosions, and fires.

Where is static-conductive flooring needed?Zero-tolerance ESD protection is required in all electronicsmanufacturing and test facilities; these environments alsorequire special shoes and wrist straps. Fault-tolerant staticcontrol is also crucial in end-user environments, includingmission-critical operations like 9-1-1 call centers, data centers,hospitals, flight control towers, and server rooms.

What is the difference between conductive,dissipative, and standard flooring?

With static conductive floors, charges ground rapidlyand safely before they can accumulate. In contrast,

research shows that static dissipative flooring isgenerally not effective because it drains charges

off people too slowly. With standard,static-generating flooring, static charges

are trapped in people and releasedupon contact with objects like

electronic devices.

What other technicalinformation is importantfor you to know?The technical aspects of thisbusiness can be overwhelming.But basic information—onstandards, terminology, testing,applications, vendors, etc.—isreadily accessible on our web site,which contains a wealth of

educational material. For a list of key industry standardsand specifications, visit www.esda.org. The more you knowabout static control, the more confident you’ll be about yourflooring choice.

Who is involved in flooring choicesand installation?Staticworx works with contractors and leads your team ofarchitects, engineers, installers, electricians, and facilitymanagers. We provide start-to-finish planning, implementation,and follow-up.

What is your next step?Contact Staticworx at www.staticworx.com or 1-888-staticworx(1-888-782-8429). We’ll get you started and help you locate aqualified local contractor.

ground rules

Worksite problems such as call interruptions and equipment failure can be costly and frustrating, since the causeof these problems—and the appropriate solution—aren’t always clear. Usually, the culprit is flooring with thewrong specs. Here are some basics to keep you grounded:

12 43

Footwear

Volts(kv)

OHMsStaticDecayApplication Environment

A PRIMER ON ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE

When evaluating anti-static flooring options,consider these variables:

1. Footwear (standard or specialized)2. Volts (the acceptable amount of human charge)3. Static decay (how quickly charges leave the body)4. Ohms (the floor’s ability to conduct or

resist electricity)

a groundswell of satisfied clientsTHE COMPANY WE KEEP

We at Staticworx have served thousands of clients worldwide

for 35 years, but we earn our clients’ trust one job at a time.

Many of our clients are Fortune 500 companies and leaders in their

industries. All of them chose us because we are the industry’s

most reliable and knowledgeable provider of anti-static flooring

solutions. And because we are customer-centric problem

solvers and educators, not just a vendor that is biased about

particular products.

All environments present unique challenges. But while circumstances may be complex,we provide seamless coordination in working with contractors, architects, engineers,and end users. We make sure our clients make the right decisions. And we ensure theirsatisfaction by providing ongoing customer support and technical know-how.

Our clients come from two worlds: the companies that test, produce, and repair static-sensitive assemblies, and organizations that rely on electronic devices to do their jobs.

• Hard-core static discharge applications. This includes electronics manufacturersand explosives handling that must meet stringent ANSI/ESD and DOD standardsrequiring flooring and special footwear in protected environments that cannottolerate static at any level.

• Real-world end users. Environments range from data centers to 9-1-1 policedispatch areas, control rooms, labs, hospitals, government, etc. Here, anti-staticflooring should be fault-tolerant to inhibit static on people wearing standardfootwear without the added benefits of anti-static shoes.

We take pride in our industry accolades and testimonials fromnumerous clients, who know that static-free is worry-free. To view client

installations, visit www.staticworx.com.

Organizations like Philips

Medical and the Lowell,

Mass., Police Department

(pictured above and left)

have been in your shoes.

They’ve found that working

with us saves time and

money…and gives you

peace of mind. See how

Staticworx…for you!

Staticworx EC ESD RubberStaticworx EC ESD Rubber has repeatedly been lauded as anindustry breakthrough, with independent research verifyingthat it is the best static protection for any application. A zero-PVC-resilient floor, it is available in tiles, sheets, and runners.Unaffected by aging, traffic, or humidity, this inherentlyconductive solution is slip resistant, requires no wax, cleanswith just a damp mop, and meets all static-control flooringrequirements of ANSI/ESD S.20.20. Staticworx EC ESD Rubberinstalls easily over raised access or concrete floors. Unlike otherresilient flooring options, it is fault-tolerant and controls staticregardless of the footwear choice. It comes with a LifetimeConductivity Warranty and may contribute toward satisfyingLEED credits.

Staticworx Ameriworx ESD Vinyl TileAmeriworx is a precision-milled, solid vinyl tile (SVT) that willnever shrink or become brittle. Its non-porous surface ismaintained by simple damp mopping and dry buffing.This American-made tile meets all three of the static-controlflooring requirements of ANSI/ESD S.20.20, and it is the onlyESD vinyl tile with zero-detectable VOCs, according to California1350 Indoor Air Quality Testing. Unlike static dissipative VCT,special polishes and wax aren’t needed to maintain the floor’santi-static properties. Available as a conductive or staticdissipative tile, it comes with a Lifetime Conductivity Warranty,and it may contribute toward satisfying LEED credits.

Staticworx ESD Carpet TileStaticworx ESD Carpet Tile provides static protection for anyapplication. Manufactured in the USA with our exclusive,

recyclable, 100% non-PVC backing, this tile is installed witha releasable adhesive, which means damaged tiles can be easilyremoved and reinstalled, saving on maintenance and replacementcosts. Featuring easy maintenance using conventional cleaningmethods, it has been awarded The Carpet and Rug Institute’sGreen Label Plus Certification and is Cradle to Cradle SilverCertified. This product meets the static-control flooringrequirements of ANSI/ESD S.20.20, it comes with a LifetimeConductivity Warranty, and it may contribute toward satisfyingLEED credits.

Staticworx ESD EpoxyThis product is available in two varieties: GroundWorx (theleast expensive coating) and HighBuild (three-layered, uniformcolored coating available in conductive or static dissipative).GroundWorx is popular among budget-conscious companiesseeking industry-compliant static control. HighBuild isappropriate for applications that require durability, easy rollingof heavy loads, and high visual appeal. Both of our ESD Epoxyfloor coatings are American-made and provide a seamless,monolithic look. Special anti-static shoes are required tomaximize the benefits of this flooring.

Additional ProductsOur product line includes vinyl sheet flooring, mats and runners,exclusive adhesives, and maintenance products such ascleaners, wax, finishes, and paint.

We also offer StaticFix, a dry adhesive that allows for immediatetraffic upon floor installation, and GroundLock, our interlocking,modular option available for any Staticworx tile or carpet floor.

laying the groundwork

At Staticworx, we offer the most comprehensive, cost-effective, and earth-

friendly products—none of our competitors has access to solutions for all

environments. But before we recommend the best solution, we carefully

study your environment and test for special ESD concerns. We review

variables such as footwear, clothing, and chairs, and we provide

educational aids such as comparative application charts posted on

www.staticworx.com/esd-applications/index.php. The most important

variable in this process is partnering with an objective, reliable manufacturer.

PRODUCT LINE-UP

Which flooring option is the best? That depends on many factors. While a combination of productsis often ideal, Staticworx EC ESD Rubber is rated as the best static protection on the market. It requires

the least maintenance. It is the only certified Class-0 ESD flooring. It is fault tolerant. And it lasts forever.

EC Rubber,StaticFix, and

GroundLock

ESD Flooring Products

ESD Rubber Tile

ESD Vinyl Tile

ESD Carpet Tile

ESD Epoxy Flooring

ESD Adhesives

ESD Mats and Runners

ESD Vinyl Sheet Flooring

www.s

taticworx

.com

Staticworx®

P.O. Box 590069Newton, MA 02459t: 617-923-2000f: 617-923-20091-888-782-8429