An ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) audit is the first step in establishing an ESD plan. It is important to include all areas where ESD-sensitive components are being handled. Prior to investing in new equipment, an ESD audit is instrumental in pinpointing vulnerable areas and potentially risky static zones that demand improvement. It’s imperative to encompass all areas where ESD-sensitive components are handled.
Data collection
The process typically begins with gathering both historical and current data records to help determine the current level of compliancy and adherence to ESD standards. It allows auditors to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement within the designated EPA (Electrostatic Protected Area).
Workstations and personnel
Personnel inspections begin with an evaluation for signs of disorder. Untidy work surfaces are significant contributors to static buildup. Additionally, it’s crucial to recognise that movement generates static, thereby potentially leading to electrostatic discharge. Consequently, at Actum, significant attention is directed towards personnel workstations. Checklist items include grounding equipment such as wrist straps, grounding cords, heel and foot grounders, ESD flooring or floor mats, ESD shoes, and antistatic clothing.
Testing equipment
Time is taken to review existing test equipment and procedures to determine whether it meets ESD standards. Simply having a tester in place is not sufficient. Is the data reliable, and are the measurement standards right for your application?
Clearing the Static: Staying grounded: Ensuring effective ESD control Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
To maintain reliable electrostatic discharge control, regular testing and accurate measurement are essential, with grounding products and ESD testing equipment being vital.
Read more...Film and mica capacitors Actum Electronics
Passive Components
By utilising various polymer dielectrics plastics, Exxelia film and mica capacitors meet most technical requirements and serve all functions from standard filtering to specialised applications.
Read more...LED driver for industrial power supply indication Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection
A simple and small solution for driving an LED to provide visual feedback in the presence/absence of a system’s power using a chip not originally designed for this purpose.
Read more...Clearing the Static: Cleaning in an ESD-protected area Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Cleaning in a protected electrostatic discharge area is a critical task to maintain the integrity of sensitive electronic components and prevent damage caused by static electricity.
Read more...ESD vinyl flooring Actum Electronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
ESD vinyl needs to be earthed by laying a conductive carbon or copper-based adhesive to glue down the sheeting.
Read more...ESD chair Actum Electronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
An ESD chair forms an integral part of grounding within the ESD protected area to prevent damage to sensitive components.
printer friendly version