In the last two years we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of Anti-Static Wrist Bands in industrial settings.  These wrist bands are designed and manufactured for “bench work” in highly controlled work spaces; not within an industrial setting.

Although these bands may work in controlled settings, our testing has indicated they lose a lot of their capability during tasks requiring a “heavy work load”.  This is caused by several factors, but primarily by the fact that these devices are not designed for this type of work environment.  When working on a bench top, the worker’s movements are very limited when compared to an industrial setting where a worker is manually handing 50-pound bags and 55-gallon drums.  Even when these devices are used properly by the worker, an industrial use just involves too much movement and range of movement is too large to ensure the continuity of ground is maintained during all the tasks.  Of course, many facilities have adapted these devices by making their attachment to the ground a permanent type attachment, rather than using alligator clips, as is the case when using these devices during bench work.

PLEASE NOTE: if your process falls under OSHA's Process Safety Management Standard or EPA's Risk Management Plan, the use of these devices MUST BE per their manufacturers instructions.  Modifying these devices is NOT recommended, but if this must be done, it MUST BE done with consent from the manufacturer.  Otherwise, the modifications may result in citations.