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How to set up your ESD workstation - a guide

ESD workstations offer protection for electronic components and promote ergonomics.
Electrostatic discharges can cause damage even at low voltages.
An EPA ensures a safe working area with earthed materials.
ESD work tables and chairs are central to protection and well-being.
Tools and accessories must be electrostatically dissipative.
Thorough cleaning and regular inspections ensure functionality.
erfi offers customized solutions for individual ESD requirements.


ESD workstations are indispensable for companies that work with sensitive electronic components. Electrostatic discharges are an often underestimated danger that can cause considerable damage to sensitive components even at low voltages.

Note:

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) describes the uncontrolled equalization of electrical charge between objects with different charges, which can damage electronic components.

It is therefore crucial to set up an ESD workstation that offers both protection for the components and ergonomic benefits for the employees. A well thought-out design of these workstations can not only ensure product quality, but also support the health and efficiency of employees.

ESD basics
Electrostatic discharges occur when electrical charges between two differently charged objects equalize. Voltages of just a few volts are enough to cause lasting damage to sensitive electronic components such as memory chips or magnetic data carriers.

Humans only feel ESD from around 3,500 volts, but electronic components are far more sensitive. Damage caused by ESD is often not immediately visible and can occur along the entire production and supply chain. This makes the comprehensive implementation of ESD protection measures essential in order to avoid quality losses and complaints.

Establishing an ESD protection zone (EPA)
An Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA) is a specially demarcated area in which electrostatically sensitive components are handled safely. Within an EPA, all materials, from employees' clothing to work surfaces, are earthed at the same potential to prevent electrostatic charges.

The scope of an EPA can range from a single workstation to an entire building. Setting up an EPA requires clear markings and signage to ensure that everyone involved is aware of and complies with the protective measures. Strict regulations apply in an EPA regarding the materials used and the handling of electronic components.

Important aspects of an EPA:

Earthed materials prevent electrostatic charges.
Clear markings and signage increase safety.
Strict regulations for handling components.

Essential elements of an ESD workplace

ESD workbenches
An ESD workbench forms the heart of a protected workplace. The table top should be made of volume conductive material that dissipates electrostatic charges in a controlled manner.

This prevents harmful discharges from being transferred to the components. To ensure that the tables meet the requirements, the discharge resistances should be checked regularly. ESD wristbands are also an important component to ensure that people are earthed and to dissipate static charges directly.

ESD chairs and ergonomic aids
ESD chairs are specially designed to provide both ergonomic support and electrostatic discharge capability. They should be made of conductive materials and equipped with dissipative armrests if necessary.

Ergonomic aids such as footrests also help to relieve the strain on employees and promote a healthy posture during work. A well-designed ESD chair can prevent back and joint problems while ensuring electrostatic safety.

Floor coverings and personal grounding
The flooring in ESD zones must be conductive and should be connected to earth at several points. This ensures that all static charges can be dissipated in a controlled manner. Depending on the requirements, permanently installed ESD flooring or temporary mats are used.


The choice of floor covering depends on the size of the ESD zone and the specific requirements. ESD shoes are also essential as they help to connect the employee's body to the floor and thus dissipate static charges.

Note:

A conductive floor covering and suitable ESD shoes are essential to safely dissipate electrostatic charges and minimize the risk of damage.

Accessories and tools for ESD workstations
All tools and accessories used in the work area must be electrostatically dissipative. This applies not only to hand tools such as screwdrivers and soldering irons, but also to aids such as gripping trays and tool holders.

Intralogistics solutions, such as antistatic castors for transport trolleys, are also important to ensure consistent discharge capability. In addition, all objects that come into direct contact with electronic components should be carefully selected and regularly checked.

Behavior and care at the ESD workplace
The behavior of employees plays a decisive role in protecting against electrostatic discharge. Insulating materials such as plastic packaging or polystyrene should be strictly avoided.

Regular and thorough cleaning of work surfaces is important in order to maintain the conductivity of the surfaces. Special cleaning agents are necessary to prevent damage to coatings and to ensure electrostatic safety. Training for staff can help to raise awareness of ESD risks and improve compliance with protective measures.

Care and behavior tips:

Avoid insulating materials in the work area.
Regular cleaning with suitable agents.
Training to raise awareness of ESD risks.

Best practices and regular checks
Regular inspections are essential to ensure the effectiveness of ESD protection measures. This includes checking the discharge resistances on the work tables and checking all materials used.

Compliance with the IEC 61340 standard is of central importance here. Through structured monitoring and regular training, companies can ensure that their ESD protection measures are always up to date and function optimally.

erfi products and solutions for ESD workplaces

Erfi offers a wide range of high-quality ESD workstation systems that are characterized by flexibility and ergonomics.

elneos connect workstation system
The elneos connect workstation system impresses with its high structural flexibility and lightness. With a sophisticated aluminum profile system, elneos connect enables seamless cable integration and height adjustment, making it easy to adapt to different work requirements. The modern RGB LED technology ensures intelligent and easy-to-use lighting and creates optimum working conditions.

varantec workstation system
The varantec system, on the other hand, offers versatile solutions with different base variants that are suitable for both laboratory and office applications. It enables uncomplicated integration into different areas of the company, from development departments to IT systems.

ABZ workstation system
The ABZ system is known for its cost-effectiveness and offers perfect functionality and flexibility thanks to its aluminum system profile, which is ideal for laboratories and training facilities.

With these solutions, erfi sets standards in terms of quality, adaptability and durability, enabling companies to design their ESD workstations efficiently and safely.

FAQ

How do you design optimum ESD protection in the workplace?

Optimal ESD protection in the workplace includes earthed materials, special ESD furniture and the use of dissipative tools. Regular training and reviews of protective measures are also crucial to prevent electrostatic charges and potential damage.

What features must a special ESD table have?

A special ESD table must be made of volume conductive material and have an earthed table top to safely dissipate static charges. It should also have integrated earthing points for accessories such as ESD wristbands to ensure comprehensive protection.

Where does damage from electrostatic discharge often occur?

Damage caused by electrostatic discharge often occurs in production lines, when handling sensitive components and in environments without adequate ESD protection. This can occur along the entire process chain, from production to delivery.

 
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