When the current floor system at the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) RAL Space facility required refurbishment, flooring specialist, Floor-Safe Ltd called upon Floor Safe Ltd to supply its ESD Colour System Topcoat product.

Floor-Safe was confident that the product would offer protection against electrostatic discharge, providing an aesthetically pleasing end result and would be completed within two days, therefore fully meeting the client's requirements.

RAL Space carries out a vast range of world-class space research and technology development; with significant involvement in over 200 space missions, STFC RAL Space is at the forefront of UK space research.

In environments where there is a large volume of electronic components, such as RAL Space, it is vital to have electrostatic dispersion (ESD) flooring to protect the technology against the harmful effects of static electricity. Floors, chairs, work surfaces and even packaging can all create static electricity, which can damage electric and computing devices.

-- Advertisement --

As well as seeking protection again ESD, the client no longer desired a shiny finish, and instead, requested a sleek, matt look. Due to the nature of the business, RAL Space didn't have the luxury of time to close-down to refurbish the floor, so required a solution that would be completed with minimum disruption.

Floor-Safe Ltd has worked with its product range of ESD for a number of years, so knew that the ESD Colour System Top Coat product would be the perfect solution to restore the conductivity of the ESD flooring, whilst enhancing the colour and aesthetic appearance of the floor.

Normally a challenge for flooring treatments, the client requested a specific colour that is present in RAL Space, Germany - traffic blue 2015. This was no issue for Floor-Safe Ltd to offer a solution to any specific colour, satisfying even the most aesthetically challenging projects. During a prior inspection, Floor-Safe noticed that RAL Space also had a black floor in a different area, so created a second black ESD solution especially for this area.

ESD Colour System Topcoat was applied to over 1,000 sqm on top of the existing conductive resin. Without interfering with the facility's operation, Floor-Safe Ltd was able to keep down-time to a minimum and carry out the work over just two days.

"The client was pleased that the whole ESD floor didn't need replacing to help restore the ESD conductivity, saving both time and a great deal of money," comments Glenn MacLaughlan, Managing Director, Floor-Safe Ltd. "We have been an approved Dr.Schutz contractor for years and are always confident when specifying ESD products that they'll meet the needs of the client, however specific or technical."

All ESD floors must meet the requirements of DIN EN 61340-5-1 and ANSI 20.20; it has to be easy to maintain, capable of handling all types of traffic and uphold its aesthetic qualities for a long period of time. All OUR ESD Systems are ESD certified, have a high wear and tear resistance and a life expectancy between three and 10 years.