AmeriWorx ESD Vinyl Tile Maintenance Guidelines
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Information
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Cleaning and LEED information
Ongoing Maintenance Procedures for Conductive
and Static Dissipative ESD Vinyl Tile and Sheet Flooring
StaticWorx solid vinyl tile (SVT) is manufactured using automated processes. One of these automated processes is called “polishing.” Polishing is performed using an abrasive material similar to the rubbing compounds used to prepare the painted finish on automobiles. Since this process is performed in-line at the factory, it is common for the tile finish (gloss level) within a batch to vary slightly. In-factory polishing is not performed to provide a final finish; it is performed to seal and protect the surface of the newly manufactured tiles.
Keep in mind, any variation in shine does not mean that there is a deviation in color; it merely means that the tiles have been abraded and polished to lesser or greater degrees depending on the point at which they went through the factory polishing process (figure 1).
All new installations of solid vinyl tile need to be buffed per StaticWorx Initial Floor Maintenance guidelines in order to attain a consistent gloss level across the entire floor; this is particularly true with darker gray and blue-colored floor tiles. This procedure will both remove the factory finish and level off natural microscopic pores and valleys in the surface of the tile in order to achieve visual uniformity (figure 2).
Maintaining Your AmeriWorx Vinyl Floor
The amount and type of traffic — foot, forklift, pallet jacks, light, heavy, etc. — will determine the maintenance frequency and requirements of your StaticWorx vinyl floor. Maintenance of StaticWorx ESD vinyl tiles requires vacuuming/sweeping, washing, rinsing and buffing.
- Do not use a sweeping compound as these may contain oils.
- Do not use generic waxes, polishes and floor finishes on conductive or static dissipative vinyl tiles.
- Certain maintenance procedures require low speed power buffing machines operating below 375 rpm.
- Wash all ESD vinyl floors with neutral (approximate pH = 7) ESD floor cleaners only.
- Do not use an excessive amount of water.
- Do not use pads or brushes that have been used on standard waxed floors, as these will tend to cross contaminate and leave a non-conductive wax film that will compromise the dissipative properties of the floor.
Preventive Maintenance (PM) Requirements
In a typical EMS environment, StaticWorx tile cannot be damaged by lack of maintenance. However, tile can become deeply soiled if contaminants become embedded due to long-term abrasion without a routine cleaning program. Heavy soiling as well as staining can be removed (figure 3).
The photos in figure 3 illustrate a custodian’s ability to remove contamination from AmeriWorx solid vinyl tile even with heavy stains, scratches and variations in appearance.
The photos show:
1) High-traffic corridor in an electronics manufacturing facility; improperly maintained for several years.
2) Applying a standard, moderately aggressive degreasing agent. Buff with maroon pad, dry mop, rinse; allow to dry.
3) Buffing with StaticWorx Formula 20.20 surfacing emulsion using a natural pad. Once dry, apply spray buff compound with white pad for an added sheen (optional).
4) Floor’s appearance is much improved within a matter of hours.
You can use a more abrasive cleaning pad to remove resin/material from the surface of the tile then buff a glossy shine on the newly exposed tile surface.
The tile’s original surface and gloss can be renewed at any time by following the StaticWorx Initial Post-Installation Floor Maintenance guidelines and implementing an ongoing multi-step maintenance program.
In a typical EMS environment, StaticWorx tile cannot be damaged by lack of maintenance. However, tile can become deeply soiled if contaminants become embedded due to long-term abrasion without a routine cleaning program. Heavy soiling as well as staining can be removed (figure 3).
The photos in figure 3 illustrate a custodian’s ability to remove contamination from AmeriWorx solid vinyl tile even with heavy stains, scratches and variations in appearance.
The photos show:
1) High-traffic corridor in an electronics manufacturing facility; improperly maintained for several years.
2) Applying a standard, moderately aggressive degreasing agent. Buff with maroon pad, dry mop, rinse; allow to dry.
3) Buffing with StaticWorx Formula 20.20 surfacing emulsion using a natural pad. Once dry, apply spray buff compound with white pad for an added sheen (optional).
4) Floor’s appearance is much improved within a matter of hours.
You can use a more abrasive cleaning pad to remove resin/material from the surface of the tile then buff a glossy shine on the newly exposed tile surface.
The tile’s original surface and gloss can be renewed at any time by following the StaticWorx Initial Post-Installation Floor Maintenance guidelines and implementing an ongoing multi-step maintenance program.
A Typical Maintenance Schedule
DAILY MAINTENANCE
- Sweep and/or dust mop the entire floor.
- Wet or damp mop soiled areas, as needed, with a neutral ESD floor cleaner.
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
- Sweep and/or dust mop the entire floor.
- Wet or damp mop soiled areas, as needed, with a neutral ESD floor cleaner.
- Restore traffic lanes using a low speed buffer or automatic scrubber with neutral ESD floor cleaner and a gray pad and buffing solution with either a white or beige pad.
MONTHLY/QUARTERLY/YEARLY MAINTENANCE
Perform the StaticWorx initial post-installation floor maintenance procedure, substituting the gray buffing pad with a more-aggressive maroon pad. Repeating steps 3-5 may be necessary in areas where tile is very heavily-soiled (prior to moving on to step 6).
Note about waxes and polishes: All ESD floor tile manufacturers state that solid ESD vinyl tile never requires waxes, polishes or finishes of any kind. This is true. The conductive properties are inside the tile itself; they are not derived from floor polishes and finishes.
However, there may be other reasons to consider the use of buffing compounds and finishes. AmeriWorx solid conductive vinyl tile can be maintained with only a neutral pH cleaner and mop. Depending on the level of shine and reflectivity desired, you may decide to dry buff or use a spray emulsion then buff to provide an enhanced appearance.
Please contact StaticWorx before initiating a maintenance process or using any dissipative coatings or polishes of any kind.
Tips
- Always test your technique in a small area first to ensure that the process and materials are used correctly.
- Avoid high-speed buffing if low-speed buffing creates a satisfactory finish.
- Never use conventional floor waxes on your StaticWorx ESD floor. These products will insulate your conductive floor and compromise the ESD capabilities of the tile. Conventional waxes can be removed and the floor can be restored to an ESD compliant state by using a wax stripping agent.
- StaticWorx Spray Buff and StaticWorx Coat-ZF should be applied in very high traffic areas or areas where a high level of shine is required. Staticworx Coat ZF can be burnished.
You can now buy StaticWorx cleaning supplies online.
Other Maintenance Concerns
It is important to note that any cleaning solutions and residue must be thoroughly removed from the surface to ensure that electrical performance is obtained.
Note: Oil mops, oil sprays or oil containing sweeping compounds are not recommended for use on any ESD Vinyl tiles.
FLOOR PROTECTION: Floors must be protected against excessive static loads and abrasion during the movement of heavy machines, equipment etc. The removal of small metal domes from machine legs is always recommended. Plastic casters and glides of adequate size should also be used to protect the floor surface. Be sure to protect your floor using felt paper or reinstalling proper casters.
THROW RUGS: Some types of throw rugs are backed with latex that may stain resilient floors. Make certain that the rug supplier provides assurances that the rugs have a non-staining backing.
WARNING: The extremely high forces exerted by stiletto or high-heeled traffic (dynamic loads of 3,000 psi or more) may create visible indentations on resilient flooring. StaticWorx will not accept claims for damage caused by stiletto or high-heeled traffic.
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StaticWorx high-performance static-control floors protect electronic components, explosives, and high-speed computers from damage caused by static electricity. ESD flooring is part of a system. Choices should always be based on objective, researched evidence. When you partner with us, we look at all possible items that may need to integrate with the floor, and, focusing on your goals and objectives, help you find the right floor for your application.
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“I’m so glad we were able to find an attractive solution that didn’t leave us with some run-of-the-mill ugly disaster.”
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Get in Touch
East Coast: 617-923-2000
Email: [email protected]
subscribe to newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter and occasional updates.
The FAA has updated its standard for facilities and electronic equipment. StaticWorx meets all requirements for ESD flooring.
Unless otherwise stated, standards referenced are the most up-to-date versions.
Flooring Products
We accept these major credit cards.
Get in Touch
East Coast: 617-923-2000
Email: [email protected]
“I’m so glad we were able to find an attractive solution that didn’t leave us with some run-of-the-mill ugly disaster.”
Share This
subscribe to newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter and occasional updates.
The FAA has updated its standard for facilities and electronic equipment. StaticWorx meets all requirements for ESD flooring.
Unless otherwise stated, standards referenced are the most up-to-date versions.
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