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ESD codes of conduct and standards
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a phenomenon that everyone is familiar with. Electrical charges between two objects with different potentials equalise in a sudden discharge. Usually harmless in everyday life, electrostatic discharge harbours considerable dangers for companies in electronics production and the semiconductor industry. Sensitive electronic components can be damaged. This results in high costs and serious damage to the company's image.
Strict standards and rules of conduct therefore exist in ESD hazardous areas to minimise the risk of electrostatic discharge. Persons who have access to ESD hazardous areas must adhere to these rules of behaviour.
KARL is your competent partner for all aspects of ESD protection. We have compiled a comprehensive checklist for you. All the important rules and standards are listed and explained here. Make your processes ESD-safe and support your employees in complying with the ESD rules of behaviour through regular, targeted training.
Table of contents
What is an ESD protection zone?
ESD rules of behaviour: The checklist
Whether employees, visitors or business executives: In the case of electrostatically sensitive components, each individual within an ESD protection zone must adhere to the rules. This is the only way to effectively prevent damage and guarantee the function and reliability of your own products.
- Employees must be convinced of the necessity and effectiveness of ESD protection measures. This requires targeted training with competent and convincing instructors!
- Every employee in electronics production must be familiar with the relationships between the generation and effects of electrostatic charge.
- ESD protective measures apply to all persons entering the EPA. Therefore, short-term employees, supervisors and visitors must also be equipped with ESD protection.
- ESD protective measures apply to every stage of production. They are defined by the ESD officer and apply without restriction.
- The effectiveness of the personal earthing measures must be checked daily before entering the EPO and this must be documented.
- Defective or missing ESD protection measures on equipment and machines as well as potential sources of danger must be repaired or reported immediately.
- ESD personal protective equipment may only be worn and handled in the prescribed manner. This is the only way to ensure that charges are prevented and dissipated accordingly.
- Conductive floors and ESD-suitable surfaces may only be treated with the prescribed cleaning and care products. Otherwise their conductivity may be impaired.
- Only ESD-suitable containers and packaging materials may be used within the EPA. Unsuitable packaging materials must remain outside the ESD area.
- Important handling rules must be observed when processing ESD-sensitive components and assemblies.
- Hazardous components and assemblies must never be placed on metallic surfaces, as there is a risk of a hard discharge. Similarly, insulating trays or chargeable materials must not be used.
Feel free to ask us about further strategies for ESD protection. We will be happy to advise you and work with you to create a customised protection concept specifically for your company.
ESD standards: You and your employees should know these standards
In a globalised world, standardisation of ESD protection is important. ESD standards are harmonised and communicated worldwide. They originate from international and national standardisation organisations. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the main source of international standards in the field of electrical engineering and electronics. The German Institute for Standardisation (DIN) adopts the international standards as DIN EN standards.
Everyone involved in the company should be familiar with the ESD standards and communicate them regularly.
| STANDARDS
DIN EN 61340-5-1. Electrostatics - Part 5-1: Protection of electronic components against electrostatic phenomena - General requirements.
DIN EN 61340-5-2. Electrostatics - Part 5-2: Protection of electronic components against electrostatic phenomena - User's guide.
DIN EN 61340-5-3. Electrostatics - Part 5-3: Protection of electronic components against electrostatic phenomena - Characteristics and requirements for the classification of packaging used for components sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
DIN IEC/TR 61340-5-5. Electrostatics - Part 5-5: Protection of electronic components against electrostatic phenomena - Packaging systems for use in electronics manufacturing.
DIN EN 61340-4-1. Electrostatics Part - 4-1: Standard test methods for special applications (electrical resistance of floor coverings and installed flooring).
DIN EN 61340-4-2. Standard test methods for special applications - Methods for determining the electrostatic properties of textiles.
DIN EN 61340-4-3. Electrostatics - Part 4-3: Standard test methods for special applications (footwear).
DIN EN 61340-4-4. Standard test methods for special applications - Classification of flexible bulk containers in electrostatic terms.
DIN EN 61340-4-5. Electrostatics - Part 4-5: Standard test methods for special applications (method for characterising the electrostatic protective effect of footwear and floor in combination with a person).
DIN EN 61340-4-6. Standard test methods for special applications - HGB.
DIN EN 61340-4-7. Standard test method for special applications - ionisation.
DIN EN 61340-4-8. Standard test methods for special applications - Shielding properties against electrostatic discharge - Bags. DIN EN 61340-4-9 Standard test methods for special applications - Clothing.
DIN EN 61340-3-1. Electrostatics - Part 3-1: Methods for the simulation of electrostatic effects - Test pulse shapes of electrostatic discharge for the Human Body Model (HBM).
DIN EN 61340-3-2. Electrostatics - Part 3-2: Methods for the simulation of electrostatic effects. Test pulse shapes of the electrostatic discharge for the Machine Model (MM).
DIN EN 61340-2-1. Electrostatics - Part 2-1: Measurement methods. Ability of materials and products to dissipate electrostatic charges.
DIN EN 61340-2-3. Electrostatics - Part 2-3: Test methods for determining the resistance and resistivity of solid planar materials used to prevent electrostatic charging.
DIN IEC/TR 61340-1. Electrostatics - Part 1: Electrostatic processes - Basics and measurements
ANSI/ESD S20.20. ESD Association Standard for the Development of an Electrostatic Discharge Control Programme. Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment (Excluding Electrically Initiated Exposive Devices).
Comply with ESD behavioural rules and standards - with products from KARL!
Put your trust in KARL and benefit from our decades of experience and expertise in the field of ESD workstations. Our innovative products provide optimum protection for your sensitive electronic components. We have the right solution for your company, whether you want to equip a single workstation or an entire production line.
Together, we develop customised concepts for your company. This ensures that your company is optimally ESD-protected and that compliance with ESD behavioural rules and standards is practical and uncomplicated for all employees.