User guide

Safety 13
2.5 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
CAUTION! Personnel operating, maintaining, or servicing the dispensing system must follow
ESD precautions. Failure to do so could cause severe damage to dispensing
system electronic components and/or workpieces.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), also known as “static discharge”, is the sudden transfer of electricity from
one object or person to another object or person. ESD can cause severe, undetectable damage to
electronic printed wiring boards (PWBs), parts, and assemblies. Precautions, such as wearing grounding
straps, must be taken by the operator or technician to prevent ESD damage while working around
sensitive components.
ESD is generally increased by the following conditions:
• low humidity (dry air)
• movement across carpets
• touching of plastics, synthetics, and insulators
Most of the time, you cannot detect the presence of ESD. You may feel a slight shock when touching an
object when ESD is particularly high, but even imperceptible levels of ESD can damage electronic
components. Assume that there is always ESD danger present in your environment.
ESD damage can occur at any time when you are assembling, testing, or handling electronic
components. The following are recommended ESD safety precautions to be used whenever handling
electronic components, parts, or assemblies:
• Wear a grounding wrist strap while performing all tasks.
• If a wrist strap is not available, always touch a bare metal, grounded surface to discharge
built up electricity before touching the electronic components.
• Never allow anyone to enter the work area unless they are wearing a grounding wrist strap.
• Use a dissipative floor mat under the work area.
• Use only ESD-approved equipment.
• Ground all tools and equipment, if possible.
• Keep the work area clean and clear of items that can cause ESD, such as packing foam
and plastic envelopes.
• Store all electronic printed circuit boards (PCBs) and assemblies in static-safe bags.
• Report any instances of ESD damage or potential damage to your supervisor immediately.