ESD Static Control: A Practical Guide

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) happens when built-up electrical charge moves suddenly between objects at different potentials. A practical control programme reduces both charge generation and the chance of a sensitive item being exposed.

This QA draft exercises the editorial formatting controls: bold emphasis and italic emphasis. It also includes a safe internal link to ESD audit services.

Start with the control environment

A useful assessment considers the work surface, floor, footwear, grounding method, packaging and the handling process together. Controls should be selected for the actual task and verified with suitable measurements.

Common sources of charge

Movement, separation of materials and contact between dissimilar surfaces can generate charge. The following list is a starting point for a site review, not a substitute for a documented assessment.

• People moving through or working in the area
• Insulators, packaging and work-surface materials
• Equipment or process steps that separate contacting materials

A simple verification sequence

Keep checks repeatable and record the conditions so that follow-up measurements can be compared.

1. Confirm the control requirements for the task and area.
2. Check that installed controls are present and used as intended.
3. Measure and document performance using the applicable procedure.

An ESD protected area is effective only when its controls are selected, maintained and verified for the work being performed.