Walking Voltage Detection for Personnel Entering the EPA Zone To effectively control personnel electrostatic voltage, flooring materials must be used in conjunction with antistatic footwear. The ANSI-ESD STM97.2 standard defines a test method for measuring the voltage buildup resulting from the combination of personnel, footwear, and flooring materials. This test method provides data relevant to users’ specific environments, applications, and controlled laboratory conditions. In the workplace, a common source of human static electric charge is the separation of the feet from the floor during walking. By selecting an appropriate shoe–floor system, the effects of static charge generation and accumulation can be minimized. 1. Install and configure the instrument parameters, put on antistatic shoes, and ensure personnel are standing on an antistatic floor. 2. The tester holds a handheld electrode connected to the human body voltage measurement system. 3. Personnel shall perform the six-step test on the anti-static flooring (the diagram below illustrates the simulated walking pattern: left foot steps on 1, 3, and 5; right foot steps on 2, 4, and 6, then the sequence is repeated until the required number of cycles is completed). For measurement point selection, at least five points must be taken per 500 square meters; if the area is smaller than 500 square meters, five points must still be sampled.

4. Record the positive peak (5 times) and the negative peak (5 times)

5. Record temperature and relative humidity

The test report shall include at least the following information:

1. Date and time of the test, description and identification of the supplementary testing materials

2. Temperature and relative humidity during the measurement period

3. Date of the instrument’s certification and its most recent calibration

Whether the measurement results meet the conditions stipulated by the EPA can be determined by referring to the following standard:

IEC 61340-5-1 International Standard for Electrostatic Control/IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

ANSI/ESD S20.20 American National Standard/Electrostatic Discharge

Association Standard ANSI/ESD STM97.2 Protection of Electrostatic Discharge-Sensitive Items – Footwear–Floor Systems – Measurement of Body Voltage