Electrostatic discharge or static electricity can present a formidable obstacle when approaching the design of laboratory environments. While the need may be traditionally associated with certain laboratory types such as electronics and clean labs, the need for varying levels of control is becoming more relevant in unexpected cases due to the increasing use of robotics and highly sensitive electronic equipment for traditionally bench-top based research. Four different considerations useful in controlling static discharge are presented below, addressing some possible misconceptions. These considerations should not be considered individually but as parts of a system with each playing an important role toward achieving the project static control goals.
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Controlling the relative humidity of a specific environment may be the single best way to control the discharge of electrostatic energy. It is generally agreed that relative humidity should be maintained at levels over 30% RH. These humidity levels do not eliminate the electrostatic charge but hinder it from discharging from one material to another. As humidity levels increase above 60-70%, they may also contribute to corrosion, mildew/mold growth and/or a general discomfort for occupants; a balance needs to be struck and close coordination of the mechanical systems as well as the built environment should be made. Areas with a high level of electrostatic discharge control may require monitoring of relative humidity levels.
Effective use of ESD flooring or mats is dependent upon providing appropriate connection points between the floor and object being grounded. This is typically dependent on appropriate lab protocol being in place for both use and maintenance. When used as a method for personnel grounding, protocols should typically include conductive footwear, or leg, toe or heel straps; when used for equipment (typically carts) grounding straps should be incorporated to ensure adequate contact of the cart with the conductive floor. Proper installation and maintenance of the ESD flooring, per the manufacturer&#;s guidelines, is also critical, including low resistance path from the flooring to building ground. Pre-construction coordination and documentation is required.
The laboratory work surface may present some challenges when it comes to addressing ESD requirements. Materials such as epoxy, phenolic resin and wood function as insulating materials, dissipating electrical charge very slowly. These materials provide very little potential for an electrical charge to flow through them from one material to another. In some cases these materials may be required to address other durability requirements. Metal tops (such as stainless steel and copper) or ESD laminates provide low resistance and are conductive. The choice of the work surface material should be determined in accordance to the project goals and reflect the lab needs. Regardless of the selected material, local table mats may also be selected to provide local ESD protection. Local table mats are typically paired with local floor mats and wrist straps (when provided as a system, these elements should share a common ground point).
Similar to the considerations discussed for work surfaces, wood casework functions as an insulator and metal casework is conductive. Coordination of the casework with the selected work surface and associated use of table/floor mats and/or wrist straps requires careful coordination of contact point and discharge methodology.
(JPL), J. P. (). JPL Standard for Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control. D- rev. F, Standard: Electrostatic Discharge Control.
EOS/ESD Association, I. (, June 11). ANSI/ESD S20.20-. Protection of electrical and electornic parts assemblies and equipment (Excluding electrically initiated explosive devices). Rome, New York, USA.
Standard, N. T. (, December). NASA-STD-.7; (Cancelled). Electrostatic discharge control (Excluding electrically initiated explosive devices).
Press Office, VersaLogic Corporation, 07/15/20
Electrostatic discharge, or ESD, is the sudden flow of electricity between two objects. ESD occurs after a buildup of static electricity on an object. Electrostatic charge is most commonly created by the contact and separation of two similar or dissimilar materials.
For example, a person walking across the floor generates static electricity as shoe soles contact and then separate from the floor surface. An electronic device sliding into or out of a bag generates an electrostatic charge as the device makes multiple contacts and separations with the surface of the bag.
As shown in Figure 1, even the seemingly inconsequential act of picking up a poly bag generates more than enough static electricity to cause shock and damage. That&#;s why it&#;s important to set up an effective ESD control program to eliminate the chance of damage.
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A complete electrostatic discharge prevention program includes a plan, training, protective equipment, management, and system audits. The following steps provide a framework for establishing an ESD control program:
1. Research and Consult with Experts
Learn all you can about preventing ESD damage at your company. Check with industry groups such as the ESD Association (Rome, NY) and IPC Association (Northbrook, IL). Many engineering and consulting companies also provide specialized expertise. ESD safe product companies can provide good advice, but be aware that they can be biased. As a result, be sure to take your own measurements. See Figure 2 for some suggestions on where to start your research.
Figure 2: ESD Control Program Resources
2. Identify Sensitive Work Areas
Work areas requiring ESD protection include assembly and packaging stations, engineering and testing areas, and anywhere else that unshielded products or components are handled or stored (see Figure 3). To achieve the highest standards, include areas that are not always thought of as requiring ESD protection.
Figure 3: Typical Facility Areas Requiring ESD Protection
3. Identify the Sources of ESD within Work Areas
Non-conductive materials such as plastic parts, tape, cardboard, and Styrofoam are common sources of ESD. High voltage items like computer monitors or laser printer paper also generate static charges. Measuring ESD levels with a static meter will show problem areas and items.
4. Establish the Level of Protection Required for Each Work Area
Areas with high static generation may require special solutions, even when ESD-sensitive components are not handled directly. For instance, a plastic injection molding plant may have static levels high enough to require a wireless keyboard and mouse for each computer to prevent ESD damage from occurring through the I/O cables.
5. Develop a Plan
The ESD Control Program Plan should include the tasks, activities, and procedures necessary to adequately protect sensitive components and systems. Prepare written procedures and specifications that clearly communicate roles and responsibilities. The plan must include guidelines for personnel training, verification that the plan is being followed, and a list of the technical requirements and ESD protective products approved for use in the program.
6. Institute Static Protection Solutions
Protection methods include a combination of signage, grounding systems, and charge generation control. A well-protected area may be one in which grounding floor mats and work surface mats are installed, protected areas are marked with tape, and personnel wear wrist straps, heel straps, and ESD protective clothing. See Figure 4, above, for additional static protection solutions and Figure 5, below, for common materials used in creating an ESD Control Area. Dry environments benefit from installation of ionization and humidification systems to reduce charge generation. ESD protection devices vary in capability, and the protective range should be checked against the sensitivity of the products being handled.
7. Build Teams and Educate Staff
Enroll employees from relevant areas of the company to be team members. Make it their program, and delegate the responsibility of auditing and maintenance to them. Quality management can then verify records and conduct periodic compliance audits. Delegating in this way not only minimizes the drain on management resources but also allows the affected employees to take ownership of the process, thus increasing employee participation and compliance. Train and retrain your personnel to instill a mindset that ESD awareness is a valuable ongoing effort that can mean the difference between the company&#;s profitability and loss. Make sure that the program is understandable, even to non-technical employees. No ESD program will be completely successful without the complete participation of all staff.
8. Maintain the ESD Control System
Protection of production floors, testing stations, and other areas takes planning, education, maintenance, and testing. Ongoing maintenance and system audits are essential to ensure that ESD control programs remain effective. Many ESD devices lose effectiveness over time. Periodic cleaning keeps the equipment and devices working properly. Wrist straps, heel straps and other personal grounding devices require testing and occasional replacement. Periodic testing, either with static locators or grounding test equipment is needed to identify problems. A static charge meter can indicate the strength of the entire system. If an area is found to have minimal static charges, it is evidence of an effective system.
Audit your plan to verify that the ESD control system is successful. Technological changes will dictate improvements and modifications. Provide feedback to management and employees. Adjust company practices to keep the program on track. To ensure ongoing compliance invest in quarterly ESD audits.
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