When we talk about workplace safety , we often think about protection against impacts, punctures, or slips. But in certain sectors, another risk must be taken very seriously: static electricity. This is where the ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) standard for safety footwear comes in. Let us explain!
Summary :
1 - What is an ESD safety shoe?
2 - ESD, SRA, SRC… Don't confuse the standards!
3 - For which professions are ESD shoes essential?
4 - How to recognize an ESD shoe?
5 - Key takeaways
1 - What is an ESD safety shoe?
ESD safety footwear is designed to limit electrostatic discharges. These discharges may seem harmless (like a small “electric shock”), but they can have serious consequences, particularly in the electronics and pharmaceutical industries or in ATEX environments (with explosive atmospheres).
The ESD standard ensures that the shoe allows static electricity to be continuously dissipated from the body to the ground, thus preventing any dangerous buildup.
2 - ESD, SRA, SRC… Don't confuse the standards!
It is important not to confuse the ESD standard with the classic antistatic properties found on many safety shoes .
An antistatic shoe limits the accumulation of electrostatic charges, but in a less precise way.
An ESD shoe meets much stricter requirements: its electrical resistance is between 0.1 and 100 MΩ, according to the EN IEC 61340-5-1 standard .
In other words, all ESD shoes are antistatic, but not all antistatic shoes are ESD.
➡️ To learn more about the different safety shoe standards, click here .
3 - For which professions are ESD shoes essential?
The ESD standard is primarily aimed at professionals working in sensitive environments:
- Electronics (manufacturing, circuit assembly)
- Automotive (embedded components)
- ATEX environments (areas at risk of explosion)
In these sectors, wearing ESD footwear is often mandatory , along with other specific equipment.
4 - How to recognize an ESD shoe?
ESD shoes bear a specific pictogram (usually a hand and an arrow on a yellow background). They are also tested in the laboratory according to the EN 61340-4-3 standard to guarantee their performance.
5- Key takeaways
In short, choosing ESD footwear ensures appropriate protection for sensitive environments while complying with current safety standards. At Nine Worths, we offer several models that meet this requirement, combining comfort, design, and electrostatic performance.
Where to find them? ➡️ At Nine Worths , we offer a selection of safety shoes that meet ESD standards . Whether you work in electronics, industry, or a sensitive environment, you'll find a model suited to your needs in our collection.
