ANSI/ESD S20.20 now requires the Operator Walking Test (ANSI/ESD STM97.1) and conformance to Operator Resistance Measurements (ANSI/ESD STM97.2) for product qualification of flooring / footwear systems for grounding personnel.
What is the importance of the Walking Test?
- It is necessary to qualify the Footwear / Flooring personnel grounding system for certification to ANSI/ESD S20.20.
- It can provide records to prove that Footwear / Flooring personnel grounding system used as a static control method is actually providing the performance expected.
- It is used when testing samples for qualification of a Footwear / Flooring personnel grounding system or on an existing installed floor when evaluating a change in footwear or flooring maintenance.
For Product Qualification, what Operator Resistance Measurements does ANSI/ESD S20.20-2014 state product should test to?
- < 100 volt peak voltage per ANSI/ESD STM97.2 Voltage in Combination with a Person.
- < 1 x 109 ohms Resistance per ANSI/ESD STM97.1 Resistance in Combination with a Person.
These are both to be performed in a walk-in environment chamber, including 12% RH.
For more information on the Walking Test and ANSI/ESD STM97.2, click HERE for the ESD Association’s PowerPoint.
Want more information? Sign up for a Free Flooring / Footwear Assessment. The Assessment will only take about 30 minutes of your time. We will demonstrate the Walking Test and provide more information on how you can be sure your Flooring / Footwear personnel grounding system meets the current S20.20 guidelines.