User guide

104
Electrostatic discharge
Caution:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD), or static shock, is a naturally occurring
phenomenon. ESD is common in conditions of low humidity, which can be caused
by heating or air conditioning. ESD is a discharge of the electrical energy from a
charged body to a lesser or non-charged body. The degree of discharge can be
significant enough to cause damage to a transducer or an ultrasound system. The
following precautions can help reduce ESD: anti-static spray on carpets, anti-static
spray on linoleum, and anti-static mats.
WARNING:
If running on battery power, the Edge system can be susceptible to ESD and may
power off at reduced immunity levels (for air discharge). Although this behavior
does not damage the system or cause data loss, you must turn the system back
on, a task that can interrupt or delay patient therapy.
The physical and technological design of the Edge system provides insufficient
immunity to meet the levels in IEC 60601-1-2 (for ESD—air discharge) under
battery power.
WARNING:
Unless following ESD precautionary procedures, all users and staff must be
instructed not to connect to or to touch (with body or hand-held tools) pins of
connectors that have the ESD Sensitive Devices symbol:
If the symbol is on a border surrounding multiple connectors, the symbol pertains to
all connectors within the border.
ESD precautionary procedures include the following:
• Receive training about ESD, including the following at a minimum: an introduction
to the physics of electrostatic charge, the voltage levels that can occur in normal
practice, and the damage that can occur to electronic components if equipment is
touched by an individual who is electrostatically charged.
• Prevent the buildup of electrostatic charge. For example, use humidification,
conductive floor coverings, nonsynthetic clothing, ionizers, and minimizing
insulating materials.
• Discharge your body to earth.
• Use a wrist strap to bond yourself to the ultrasound system or to earth.