The concept of using static-protective products to drain electrostatic charges from personnel and materials is well accepted in many industries. Whether safeguarding sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge (ESD) during manufacture or service or helping control charge in a computer room or munitions factory, a key element in an effective static control program is the use of a properly designed flooring system.Vinyl ESD flooring material, either tile or sheet form, is a time-tested and proven type of permanent static control flooring. This resilient product is an attractive and long-term solution to static problems. Properly installed, it minimizes charge generation and efficiently drains charge from grounded personnel. Vinyl ESD tile and sheetgoods are available in a wide range of colors and patterns to enhance the aesthetics in an industrial environment or in other commercial areas where static control has become an important issue, such as computer rooms or hospital operating rooms or wards. In general, the excellent flexibility of this type of flooring makes it comfortable for walking and durable even under heavy loads.Vinyl ESD flooring is easily installed by competent tile and sheetgoods installers, using conductive adhesive and appropriate grounding connections. It is also generally easy to maintain, especially those brands that can be cleaned and shined without waxing. (For ESD flooring that requires waxing in order to achieve a gloss surface finish, the wax used must have a conductive formulation in order to maintain the electrical properties of the floor surface. The extra cost of the waxing process as well as that of the expensive ESD wax itself will significantly increase the cost of routine maintenance for such floors.)