ESD Control Workstations: Set-up, Practical Considerations & Measurements

The complexity of properly installing workstations is often underestimated, On the ‘surface’ it appears to be a simple installation of an ESD static dissipative mat or ESD hard laminate. However, there are important issues learned from years of experience that impact cost, durability, ESD performance, maintenance and complain verification. A good ESD control workstation is the cornerstone of ESD Program Management (EPM). Workstations used in processing ESD susceptible items are intended to maintain a near zero potential by providing ground paths for basic components of the workstation and a connection point for personnel grounding apparatus. The workstation should provide protection from CDM (Charged Device Model) ESD as well as HBM (Human Body Model).

This practical tutorial will teach you how to set-up an effective ESD controlled workstation that accomplishes these goals. It will cover selection and qualification of the required materials and how to install them correctly. Other workstation issues will be discussed including: application of ionization, garment grounding, ESD chairs, handling containers, tools and compliance verification consistent with ESD TR53.