Building an ESD-Safe Workstation: Key Products and Best Practices 

Posted on by CE3S

Introduction 

In the electronics industry, protecting sensitive components from electrostatic discharge (ESD) isn’t just a technical necessity – it’s a business-critical priority. An ESD-safe environment not only safeguards your products but also reinforces your company’s reliability and reputation in the eyes of your customers. At CE3S, we specialize in helping businesses like yours design and equip workstations that are both ESD-compliant and tailored to your operational needs. Whether you’re upgrading an existing space or expanding your capabilities, we’re here to ensure your setup supports quality, safety, and long-term growth. 

ESD and Its Impact 

Electrostatic discharge is the sudden transfer of an electrical charge between two objects that are at different electrical potentials. It can happen through contact discharge or through air discharge when two objects are in close proximity. 

This can be damaging for products because ESD could lead to: 

  • Physical damage to components (circuits melted/burned) that leads to degrading performance 
  • Latent failures that could weaken components 
  • Data corruption 
  • Insulation breakdown from the discharge puncture layers 

Essential Components of an ESD Workstation 

  • ESD-safe frame, tabletop, and accessories on your workbench 
  • ESD mats 
  • Personnel Grounding with Monitors and/or Software for Event Detection 
  • Wrist straps 
  • Smocks 
  • Heel Grounders where applicable 
  • Ionizers – overhead or benchtop 

How to Maintain an ESD-Safe Workstation 

  1. Start with an ESD designed workbench—ensuring you are building a safe ESD program from the ground up 
  1. Use ESD-safe tools and packaging – Using grounded hand tools and protective packaging like ESD bags/containers prevents static buildup during assembly and storage. 
  1. Educate staff – Ensure all employees and people in your workspace understand ESD risks and make protocols clear. 
  1. Control the environment – Maintain elements such as humidity, airflow, and materials (like insulators) can all affect ESD buildup. 

How CE3S Can Help: Treston 3D Configurator & Advice from our Partners at Treston 

CE3S is proud to partner with Treston to give our customers the opportunity to use the Treston + CE3S Workspace Configurator tool on our website. It is completely free to use and is accessible on a mobile device or laptop. 

The configurator lets you design your custom workspace in real time with a 360-degree view. Once your design is complete, you can instantly receive a detailed PDF of the required products and easily request a quote. Choose from multiple templates of workbenches or carts and customize from there. Check out the 3D Workspace Configurator here:  Treston + CE3S Workspace Configurator. 

  1. Design your dream workstation. 
  1. Request a meeting to discuss with the CE3S and Treston team. 
  1. Receive your custom quote. 

Treston and IAC, a division of Treston, are leaders in the ESD design space. They build ESD features into their products to ensure you are meeting all necessary requirements while maintaining an effective workflow. Treston products in particular meet ESD safety requirements by including: 

  • Dissipative powder-coated metal parts for controlled static discharge 
  • Zinc-coated contact points at critical junctions 
  • And smart material choices that balance cost-efficiency with full protection 

Final Thoughts 

Building an ESD-safe workstation is a great investment in your business. ESD-safe workstations take a lot of work to maintain, but the benefits of properly taking care of the workstation outweigh the risks. Contact sales@ce3s.com to start designing your perfect workstation.