What is antistatic workwear?
Antistatic workwear refers to protective garments made from conductive or semi-conductive fibers that safely discharge static electricity from the body, preventing spark formation. They are designed for environments where explosive, flammable, or electrostatically sensitive materials are present.
Their primary purpose is to prevent incidents caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD)—such as fires, explosions, or electronic equipment damage.
The dangers of static electricity
Static electricity accumulates through friction or movement. When a person contacts the ground or another conductive object, a sudden discharge (spark) occurs. Though small, this spark can:
Ignite flammable gas or dust mixtures,
Damage electronic circuits,
Cause production errors or data loss,
Reduce worker comfort and safety.
Antistatic clothing eliminates this hazard by conducting electrical charges safely to the ground, ensuring a controlled discharge and an equalized potential between the wearer and the environment.
How antistatic fabrics work
These garments are woven with carbon, steel, or metallic fibers that create conductive pathways within the fabric. These fibers:
Prevent charge buildup,
Distribute existing charges evenly,
Ensure both the wearer and the equipment maintain the same electrical potential.
This prevents voltage differences that lead to electrostatic sparks.
Areas of application
Antistatic workwear is widely used in:
Electronics manufacturing (microchips, sensors, PCB assembly)
Petrochemical and refinery industries
Aerospace and aviation
Pharmaceutical and laboratory environments
Paint shops, filling lines, powder production plants
Explosive material or solvent storage areas
In these environments, all personnel must wear antistatic clothing, shoes, and gloves as part of a complete ESD protection system.
Relevant standards and markings
The international standard for antistatic clothing is EN ISO 1149 (Parts 1–5), which defines measurement and performance criteria:
Scope Description
EN 1149-1 Measurement method for surface resistance
EN 1149-3 Charge decay and discharge behavior
EN 1149-5 Performance and design requirements for garments
Certified garments display the lightning bolt antistatic pictogram, confirming they have been tested and approved for electrostatic discharge protection.
Key features of antistatic workwear
Dissipates static electricity effectively
Prevents sparks in flammable environments
Made from lightweight, breathable materials
Can be combined with flame-retardant (FR) properties
Provides durable protection through multiple washes
All components (thread, zippers, buttons) are conductivity-tested
Some advanced models offer multi-protection (e.g., FR + Antistatic + Chemical Resistance).
Care and washing instructions
Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and high heat, as they can damage conductive fibers.
Use detergents without optical brighteners.
Do not exceed the garment’s maximum wash cycles specified on the label.
Dry at low temperature, and ensure dryer exhaust systems are properly grounded.
After washing, garments should be visually inspected or tested for conductivity to confirm their performance.
Complementary antistatic equipment
Antistatic footwear (ESD-rated soles)
Grounding wrist straps and ankle bands
Conductive gloves and hoods
Antistatic mats and flooring systems
True protection is achieved only when all ESD-safe components are used together as a system.
Common mistakes
Mistaking regular coveralls for antistatic clothing
Drying garments at high heat after washing
Using fabric softeners that coat conductive fibers
Working on ungrounded floors or wearing non-ESD shoes
Ignoring accessory compatibility (zippers, logos, reflective bands)
Conclusion
Antistatic workwear is an essential layer of protection wherever electrostatic discharge hazards exist.
When manufactured according to EN ISO 1149 standards, using proper materials and design, these garments safeguard both workers and sensitive equipment.
With correct maintenance, regular testing, and full integration into an ESD-safe system, antistatic clothing provides reliable, long-term safety and compliance.
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