electrostatic workstation sign

For those who work with electrical components, it is absolutely essential to ensure that precautions are taken against the risk of electrostatic damage, which can lead to everything from item failure and impairment of function, to fires and explosions. In today's blog, we will take a closer look at the risks surrounding electrostatic sensitive devices, along with possible causes of damage, and how this can be prevented:

What are Electrostatic Sensitive Devices?

Some common ESD devices include:

• MOSFET transistors: Used in the making of integrated circuits (microchips).
• Computer/Expansion Cards: Printed circuit board that can be used to add functionality to a computer system.
• Laser Diodes: Used for fiber optic communications, barcode readers, laser printing and more.

(ESD bonding point label)

How Does Electrostatic Damage Occur?

This type of damage is caused by the effects of an electric filed surrounding the charged object. Electric fields have the ability to generate currents in conductors, with the size depending on the strength of the electrical field and the speed of movement. This can lead to the device becoming polarised, with subsequent handling causing charging and discharging. 

• Discharge: In cases where the field is suddenly grounded, and the movement of the charge creates currents. For example, a human can build up a charge on their clothing when walking on a carpet. When we approach a conductive surface (e.g metal door handle), this can cause the charge to exceed the insulating ability of the air, causing a spark.
• Induction: When a conductor moves in a magnetic field that generates an electric current, or the magnetic field moves and the conductor is at rest.
• Polarization: When the electric field and sensitive device remain stationary, but close to each other. For example, whena styrofoam cup is placed next to a sensitive device, such as a microchip. If the device comes into contact with a negative charge, and then discharges onto a grounded surface, this can damage the device.

(electrostatic work precautions sign)

How Can I Prevent Electrostatic Damage?

• Cover work stations with a conductive material/surface
• Remove nonconductive materials (e.g styrofoam, cellophane etc)
• Ground yourself by touching a conductive surface
• Wear a writ strap that connects you to ground in a static-safe area
• Carry materials in static-shielding containers
• Remove components on a static-safe work surface

Using the Correct Safety Signs:

The last step that should be observed for safe ESD working, is making the potential  hazards and safe working procedures known to employees. This can be done by using the correct warning/instructional signs and labels. To see the range of signs and labels we supply for use with electrostatic sensitive devices and work areas, click here.

In order to ensure that electrical equipment and appliances are safe for use, particularly in the workplace, it is highly important that these items are regularly tested. If there is a potential risk due to to poor maintenance or an appliance fault, it is of tremendous importance that this is clearly marked, in order to ensure that there is not attempt to use these items while their safety is compromised. This also extends to other items which have the potential to threaten employee safety, such as machinery or hazardous substances.

In order for this important safety peocedure to be performed effectively, we provide a number of general and custom lockout tags here at Label Source, as part of both our Electrical, Maintenance and Cable Management range, as well as our Quality and Calibration department. To give you clearer impression of some of the products we provide, here's a closer look at some of the options we have available:

Do Not Use Tag

This tag can be attached to an instrument of choice, in order to provide a general warning against its use. Depending on the level of durability required, these can be provided in both card, and semi-rigid plastic. Unlike our custom lockout tags, this item does not have space to add details.

Do Not Use After Tag

This tag is available in the same specifications as our general warning tag, but includes space to add a customised date and signature, providing the user with more detailed controls over the restrictions being imposed.

Do Not Operate Tag

This custom lockout tag has enhanced space for providing additional details about the nature of the restriction, along with space for date and signature details. Unlike the previously discussed tags, this item is only available in semi-rigid plastic, as is the the case for the remainder of the products available here.

Danger High Voltage Tag

Along with our range of operational warning and prohibition tags, we also supply custom lockout tags which detail the specific risk attached to using the item in question. The electrical tag pictured above is just one example, but we also supply tags to warn of dangerous gas, hazardous chemicals and more!

 Click here to visit or Electrical and Maintenance product selection, or here to visit our Clibration range. For those with bespoke requirements, please give us a call using the details provided here to discuss your enahnced needs.

Here at Label Source, one of our main priorities is to provide our customers with solutions that not only meet the needs of their operations, but are made to last. For this reason, many of the labels we supply are designed to suit more demanding conditions, such as high temperature environments. This is ideal for areas that are prone to attracting heat, or become warm due to the nature of the work being undertaken at a specific facility.

This capability is extended throughout many of the label ranges we supply on our website, including:

Serial Numbered Asset Labels

High temperature labels are ideal for use in environments with machinery and electrical equipment which may heat up during use, making these labels an ideal way to mark important assets with company details for inventory and security purposes. These labels can be used in any tempareture from -30 to +90C. 

Scanmark Foil Barcode Labels 

In addition to numbered labels, we can also supply a huge selection of barcode labels, which are suitable for retail, plant maintenance, inventory management and more. Along with being highly durable, these high temperature labels also have a wider operating temperature range, of -40 to +150C.

Engineering Labels 

Engineering sites can be prone to extremely high temperatures, due to the nature of the tasks being undertaken. In order to ensure that safety warnings are being provided, we supply high temperature labels with this specific purpose in mind, with a huge temperature range of -30 to +120C.

Custom High Temperature Labels

For those whose demands exceed some of the other temperature ranges we have mentioned, we supply custom high temperature labels, which can be personalised with the details of your choice. They are supplied in packs of 500, and are printed on self adhesive white polyimide with durable resin grade black thermal print. These labels also have an impressive temperature operation range of up to 200C.

To see more of the labels in our huge selection, click here!

Our inspection label products have a new colour coding for 2017, together with the update on the inspection period covering 2017-2022.

The standard ranges continue to be available in the three sizes (15mm diameter, 25mm diameter and 40mm diameter), and are produced in either self-adhesive vinyl, or tamperproof destructible vinyl.

Besides, our standard parts we can supply similar products to your own customer specifications, which can have variable layout including company logos, to an extensive range of shapes and sizes. For a quotation please contact us on sales@labelsource.co.uk

While we supply a huge range of ready-to-ship labels that are ideal for general use in a variety of settings, we also provide a more personal service for our customers, which is perfect for those who have very specific labelling requirements.

Our custom business labels are a completely bespoke product, designed and produced to meet the individual needs of the customer down to the finest detail. Combining our versatile range of materials with our vast printing capabilities, we are able to provide a labelling solution that is completely unique and fit-for-purpose. Over the years, we've worked with a variety of large and small organisations, operating in a range of industries, which means that we have the knowledge and experience to deal with virtually any request. 

To find out more about our custom business labels, or to place an order with Label Source, simply follow these three simple steps:

Browse Our Website 

While our custom range expands on the selection of products we have available on our site, browsing our online store is a great way to gain an idea of the range of sizes, materials and specifications we have available. It's also a great way to gain inspiration for your project, and perhaps to discover a new product that you were not previously aware of.

Call Our Team

Whether you have a clear idea of what you require, or need some advice on which product is the best fit for your business, our team are always happy to help with your enquiry. Having been in the business for over 25 years, we have a great understanding of how our labelling products can be tailored and adapted to provide reliability in any workplace or environment, which means that we are able to provide you with all the information you need to make the best choice for your organisation.

Place Your Order!

Once you've discussed your requirements with the Label Source team, the next step is to place your order. You can do this over the phone using your credit card, or against a pro-forma invoice. We are also able to deal with repeat orders, for those who require a regularly-stocked set of custom business labels.

To see our huge selection of products, head back to the Label Source homepage here.