Checklist ESD Protective Measures

In companies that handle electrostatically sensitive devices (ESDS), the appointment of an ESD officer is recommended as a key measure for implementing a standard-compliant ESD control programme in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1. This technically qualified person is responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring all measures for controlling electrostatic discharges.
This includes regular testing of ESD protective equipment, coordination of training measures and complete documentation of all testing and control activities. A suitably trained deputy ensures that the tasks are carried out continuously even in the absence of the representative.
Internal audits serve to identify deviations at an early stage and support the continuous improvement of the ESD control system to ensure process stability.

In-depth ESD knowledge among staff is a fundamental prerequisite for the effectiveness of a standard-compliant ESD control programme. All employees who handle electrostatically sensitive devices (ESDS) or are present in ESD protection zones must receive regular training in accordance with the requirements of DIN EN 61340-5-1.
New employees must receive structured training before starting work in ESD-sensitive processes to ensure standard-compliant behaviour from the outset. Refresher training at appropriate intervals ensures that changes in processes, specifications or technical requirements are understood and implemented.
The training content should include both theoretical basics and practical application examples in order to promote a lasting understanding of ESD risks and protective measures. This permanently strengthens confidence in handling ESD and ensures process quality.

A binding ESD control plan in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1 forms the basis for a standard-compliant ESD control programme. It defines permissible limit values for electric fields, potentials and leakage resistances, specifies the necessary grounding measures and describes protective measures for handling electrostatically sensitive components (ESDS) during storage, transport, handling and production.
The control plan also contains specifications for training, monitoring, documentation and regular testing of the ESD protection measures used. It serves as a central document for implementing a uniform, traceable procedure within the company.
Regular updates ensure that technical innovations and operational requirements are taken into account. In this way, the control plan contributes significantly to maintaining effective protection against electrostatic discharge.

Wrist straps are a key element in dissipating electrostatic charges from the human body. They must be visually inspected daily to detect and eliminate damage, wear or faulty connections at an early stage. In addition, wrist straps should be regularly tested for electrical function and documented. Replacement straps should be available at all times to ensure permanent protection for temporary or visiting staff. Only through consistent monitoring and the use of functional wristbands can it be ensured that electrostatic charges are reliably dissipated, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components from damage.

ESD safety shoes are part of the personal grounding system and serve to control the dissipation of electrostatic charges while walking or standing in ESD protection zones. To ensure proper functioning, daily checks are required – ideally automated using personal test stations with documented results recording.
For visitors or non-permanent staff, foot grounding straps offer a practical addition. However, these should only be used in combination with suitable ESD floor coverings and should also be checked regularly.
Only through consistent monitoring and the standard-compliant use of suitable grounding equipment can it be ensured that electrostatic charges are reliably dissipated and electrostatically sensitive components (ESDS) are protected from damage.

ESD-compliant clothing is an integral part of the personal grounding system in ESD protection zones. It reduces the risk of electrostatic discharge by controlling the dissipation of electrostatic charges via conductive fibres and shields underlying clothing to prevent charging through friction. Protective clothing must be checked regularly for functionality, cleaned professionally and replaced immediately if worn or if its protective effect is lost.
Suitable ESD coats or overalls must be provided in sufficient numbers for non-company personnel and temporary staff to ensure standard-compliant protection. Only through consistent use and proper care can an electrostatic-safe environment be permanently guaranteed.

Test devices for ESD protective equipment are used to regularly check the dissipation resistance and functionality of wrist straps, conductive shoes and other dissipative materials. Precise testing allows defects and deviations to be detected and corrected at an early stage. Documented logging of the tests, for example through signed test reports, ensures traceability and acceptance in internal and external audits. This ensures that the effectiveness of the ESD protective equipment is maintained in the long term and that the quality of the protective measures can be verified.

Measuring devices for evaluating ESD protection measures are used to record relevant parameters such as leakage resistance and relative humidity. In combination with suitable measuring electrodes, material properties and environmental conditions can be measured accurately. The values determined enable compliance with the limit values according to IEC standards and contribute to the targeted reduction of electrostatic risks. Regular use and maintenance of the measuring devices is an integral part of quality assurance in ESD protection and promotes the long-term stability of the protection system.

ESD protection zones must be clearly defined, physically or visually demarcated and clearly marked. Access is restricted to trained personnel with suitable ESD protective equipment to ensure the safe handling, storage and packaging of sensitive electronic components under controlled ESD conditions. Within the EPA, there are binding requirements for clothing, tools and work equipment, consistent compliance with which helps to prevent electrostatic discharges. This ensures the long-term quality and functionality of electronic components.

The flooring within an EPA is a central component of the ESD protection system and must be permanently conductive and have a secure connection to the equipotential bonding in order to dissipate electrostatic charges in a controlled manner. However, it only fulfils its protective function in conjunction with suitable ESD footwear. The conductivity should be checked regularly – at least once a year, according to the DPV recommendation – in accordance with the relevant test specifications. Only approved cleaning agents that do not leave any insulating residues may be used for cleaning. Only through consistent maintenance and monitoring can the protective function of the floor be maintained and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the ESD measures.

Workstations within an ESD protection zone (EPA), including tables, shelves and work surfaces, must be made of conductive material and connected to the equipotential bonding system. Earthing points must be clearly and visibly marked to prevent incorrect operation. Non-conductive, potentially chargeable materials such as plastic films or paper must be removed from the immediate work area. Only a controlled electrostatic environment can effectively prevent unwanted discharges and reliably prevent damage to sensitive components. Standard-compliant design and regular inspection of workstations are essential for this.

Chairs in ESD protection zones (EPA) must be made of conductive material and connected to the equipotential bonding system in accordance with standards in order to dissipate electrostatic charges in a controlled manner, for example when sitting or changing position. The protective function should be checked regularly – at least once a year, according to DPV recommendations – using suitable measurement methods. Equipping all workstations with tested, conductive ESD chairs reduces the risk of unwanted discharges and contributes to the long-term ESD conformity of the working environment – even during prolonged activities.

Shelves used within ESD protection zones (EPA) must have conductive surfaces and be connected to the equipotential bonding system in accordance with standards. This effectively prevents electrostatic charging when storing or removing ESD-sensitive components (ESDS). In heavily frequented storage areas, regular testing of the dissipation resistance is necessary to ensure long-term compliance with standard specifications. The complete integration of all storage and warehousing facilities into the ESD control system supports process reliability and contributes to product quality stability.

Transport trolleys used in ESD protection zones (EPA) must be equipped with conductive castors and surfaces and connected to the equipotential bonding system in accordance with the relevant standards. Electrical conductivity, in particular the total leakage resistance, must be checked regularly in accordance with IEC 61340-5-1. Since transport trolleys are typically used for the internal transport of ESD-sensitive components (ESDS), their complete integration into the ESD control programme is essential. Only through consistent testing and maintenance can the generation and transmission of electrostatic charges during transport be effectively prevented.

Conductive, standard-compliant containers are required for the safe handling, storage and internal transport of ESD-sensitive components (ESDS). These containers must be clearly labelled and regularly tested for their electrical properties to ensure consistent protection and prevent confusion with unsuitable materials. The use of standardised container systems supports a consistent ESD protection concept and facilitates reliable handling. Consistent application and monitoring can effectively reduce electrostatic risks along the entire process chain.

The extended ESD protection concept also includes conductive or antistatic materials such as films, workpiece carriers, storage aids and storage containers. These materials must be selected according to their intended application class, regularly checked for their electrical properties and kept in good working order. Only through continuous monitoring can it be ensured that no electrostatic charges are generated or transferred to ESD-sensitive assemblies (ESDS). Consistent compliance with specified quality requirements in selection, use and maintenance is an integral part of a standard-compliant ESD control programme.

Tools used in an ESD protection zone (EPA) must be ESD-safe. This means that they must not have insulating surfaces and must not generate or store electrostatic charges. During use, the user must be connected to the equipotential bonding via a grounded wrist strap or an equivalent personal grounding system, if required by the application. This minimises the risk of uncontrolled electrostatic discharges when handling ESD-sensitive electronic components (ESDS). The appropriate selection, clear labelling and regular inspection of the tools used is an integral part of a standard-compliant ESD control programme in accordance with IEC 61340-5-1.

Professional cleaning of all conductive surfaces, floor coverings and textile components within the ESD protection zone (EPA) is necessary to maintain the protective effect of the ESD measures in the long term. Only approved cleaning agents may be used, as unsuitable substances can impair conductivity or leave insulating residues. Cleaning staff must be trained in handling ESD-sensitive areas. After cleaning, the protective elements concerned must be checked in accordance with a defined inspection plan to ensure that they are functioning properly. This ensures that electrostatic control remains reliably effective during operation.

ESD-sensitive electronic components (ESDS) must be transported and stored in suitable, conductive or shielding packaging that complies with standards – both within the ESD protection zone (EPA) and outside controlled areas. Even non-sensitive components must be packaged in accordance with ESD protection requirements within the EPA in order to prevent unintentional charge inputs and potential cross-contamination. Clear labelling of the packaging enables correct allocation and handling in the ESD control system. Regular checks and, if necessary, timely replacement of packaging materials are necessary to ensure the protective function is maintained and to effectively prevent electrostatic damage.

ESD protection begins as soon as goods arrive. ESD-sensitive electronic components (ESDS) must be delivered in suitable, standard-compliant and clearly labelled packaging to enable correct allocation and proper handling. Accompanying documents should clearly indicate the ESD protection status of the goods so that further processing can be carried out in accordance with standards. The packaging may only be opened at ESD-protected workstations. The personnel employed must be qualified to handle ESDS and have received appropriate training. Only through consistent implementation from the moment goods are received can the integrity of the ESD protection concept be maintained.

Electrostatic charges can also be generated by housings, assemblies, mounting parts or machines. These must either be connected to the equipotential bonding system, shielded or positioned in such a way that there is no risk to ESD-sensitive components (ESDS). Devices such as monitors or test equipment must be operated at a sufficient distance or with suitable shielding. Technical documentation and work instructions must be stored in conductive or antistatic covers to prevent electrostatic charges from entering the EPA. Such supplementary measures increase the robustness of the ESD protection concept and help to maintain component function.