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Content archived on 2024-06-12

In house determination of electrical resistance of anti-static and conductive footwear

Objective

Objectives
The objectives of the work in this project were to develop new production and workplace test methods for assessing the dissipative qualities of footwear. It was seen to be necessary to establish the correlation not only between the new production and workplace test methods but also between each and the current relevant standard, EN344.

State of progress
The results have clearly highlighted the shortcomings of existing standards and other common methods of measuring footwear resistance. By designing and testing new measurement equipment it has been shown how these shortcomings can be overcome.
The results can now be used to describe methods to obtain reproducible measurements with a direct relationship between a bench-top test in a Quality Control environment and test on footwear actually being worn in a work environment. It is hoped that these methods will be incorporated into a new standard.
In addition, the experimental prototype equipment used for the work can become the starting point for development of marketable products able to carry out the tests according to the recommended methods. It is the intention of one of the project partners to progress this and add the new product to their range of products aimed at similar markets.
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Background
It is well recognised that electrostatic charge on personnel can lead to electrical discharges which can be damaging or dangerous. Such discharges can cause anything from detonation of explosives and ignition of permanent gases through to ignition of solvent vapours, aerosols and even dust clouds. The risk may be minimised by ensuring personnel wear footwear that is able to dissipate unwanted electrostatic charge. Consequently footwear manufacturers need tests to be able to assess the dissipative qualities of their products.
Unfortunately, existing standardised tests are slow to carry out and destructive. They cannot therefore be used either for 100% testing on the production plant or for routine monitoring of continued good performance in the user's workplace. Some workplace tests have been recommended but they cannot be related directly to the current tests used by manufacturers.
Workprogramme
A study of the factors affecting electrical resistance of footwear has been carried out both by reference to literature and by experiment. Based on these results two experimental prototype test and measurement systems were designed and constructed. These were tested on a range of commercially available footwear. The ease of use and the results obtained, together with other factors were then reviewed in order to propose improvements during further developments.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

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CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Chilworth Technology Ltd
EU contribution
No data
Address
Beta House Chilworth Research Centre
SO16 7NS Southampton
United Kingdom

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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Participants (2)

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