Static electricity occurs when molecules on the surface of an object become charged or polarized. The build up of static is caused by an excess or lack of electrons localized on a portion of the surface. Static charges most frequently occur on polymers, paper, rubber, clothing and plastics or other types of "insulative" materials commonly used in the work place.

Static build up can easily be generated in the workplace simply by performing any task involving walking, sitting, moving, rubbing and handling objects which causes friction between surfaces, regardless of the material involved. In addition, static build up can be induced from one charged object placed near another body without any friction or direct contact.

Damage is caused to electronic components when lethal energy discharges between any two objects. The only way to eliminate the danger of electrostatic discharge is to continously and totally drain all static charges to ground in the Electrostatic Protected Area (E.P.A.)

Hints How to Establish an E.P.A.

1) Boundaries. Clearly mark the visible boundaries of your E.P.A. for all to see.

2) Clearing. Ban all static generating materials from your E.P.A.

3) Grounding. Properly ground all exposed surfaces in your E.P.A.

4) Personnel. Properly ground all working personnel and visitors entering your E.P.A.

5) Component Handling. Protect your components with static shielding packaging outside the E.P.A. and with anti-static packaging inside the E.P.A.

6) Training. Insure that all personnel is properly trained in the basic rules of ESD and appoint an ESD coordinator who is responsible for monitoring and enforcing all aspects of static protection.

7) Standards. Keep updated with the existing and evolving domestic and international ESD standards (EOS/ESD, IEC, NFPA, ASTM, etc).

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