Static electricity is worse in winter when the air is very dry. The low humidity means everything is very dry, especially in heated rooms. Since water is a good conductor, the lack of a microscopic moisture film on all surfaces means that small electrostatic charges cannot be earthed and can build up to levels that are more noticeable upon discharge. Static electricity is much more active when the air and materials are dry.
Because static electricity is more active in winter, companies often become more aware of the effects. However, many ESD (electrostatic discharge) events occur without a visible or audible spark. A person carrying a relatively small electric charge may not feel a discharge that is sufficient to damage sensitive electronic components. Some devices may be damaged by discharges as small as 30 V.
These invisible forms of ESD can cause outright device failures, or less obvious forms of degradation that may affect the long-term reliability and performance of electronic devices. An ESD audit is recommended to assess the risks and propose solutions.
An ESD audit is an essential part of a good ESD control programme. This checks all ESD control practices and products, provides a constant reminder to personnel of their responsibilities, and gives management the necessary feedback for any corrective action. Altico, a division of Actum Electronics, specialises in all aspects of ESD control.
An audit is based on an ESD control document that has been defined, approved by management, and implemented at all operating levels. This document is usually based on a government, military or industry standard for ESD.
In the audit, all facets of the ESD programme must be checked to see that they are in accordance with the ESD control document. Discrepancies must be recorded and reported to supervisors and to company management as soon as possible.
Each company’s audit procedures are unique to the local control programme or plan, but certain aspects will be part of every programme. The major areas to be examined are:
* Work area compliance: boundaries that separate ESD protected areas (EPA) from non-EPA areas must be clearly demarcated and defined.
* Employee audit: every operator, supervisor, material handler or other employee that comes near sensitive equipment or parts should go through an orientation to be certified or trained in ESD practices.
* Work benches and floor coverings.
* Cleaning materials and packaging.
Any organisation that manufactures electronic assemblies – from semiconductor clean rooms and commercial and industrial applications to military satellites and defence systems – which are susceptible to damage by ESD, or any facility that in any way handles ESD sensitive devices or assemblies, is required to have an ESD control programme.
Upon audit completion, Altico will compile an evaluation report and recommend the appropriate corrective suggestions. The company’s objective is to effectively help companies continually improve, manage and sustain a well-ordered, disciplined and successful ESD control programme.
Actum provides a complete ESD solution, including audit, implementation of corrective suggestions and finally issuing certificates once ESD compliant.
For more information contact Kevin Klaff, Actum Electronics, +27 (0)11 608 3001, [email protected], www.actum.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 608 3001 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.actum.co.za |
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