The electronic industry has placed a growing emphasis on reliability and quality assurance.

ESD damage to parts and assemblies can be minimized by using ESD control measures.

Handle electrostatic discharge sensitive devices (ESDS) only in an ESD protected area (EPA). Avoid electrostatic potential differences and electrostatic discharges. Use wrist straps, approved footwear and floor combination for personnel grounding. Wear properly fastened dissipative garments. No electrostatic generating materials (normal PE, PVC, PS, etc.) are allowed in an EPA. Avoid electrostatic fields > 100 V/cm. Use only approved ESD protective packaging materials. Awareness, personnel training, continuous monitoring are essential for maintaining a static control program

Recommended international standards: IEC 61340-5-1 (1998-12) Electrostatics Part 5-1: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena General requiremen IEC 61340-5-2 (1999-02) Electrostatics Part 5-2: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena User guide IEC 61340-4-1 (1999-02) Electrostatics Part 4-1: Standard test methods for specific applications Section1: Electrostatic behaviour of floor coverings and installed floors IEC 61340-4-3 (1999-02) Electrostatics Part 4-3: Standard test methods for specific applications - Footwear IEC 61340-4-5/CDV Electrostatics Part 4-5: Standard test methods for specific applications - method of characterising the electrostatic protection of footwear and flooring in combination IEC 61340-2-1 (2002-06) Electrostatics Part 2-1: Measurement methods - ability of materials and products to dissipate static electric charge IEC 61340-2-3 (2000-03) Electrostatics Part 2-3: Methods of test for determining the resistance and resistivity of solid planar materials used to avoid electrostatic charge accumulation IEC 61340-3-1 (2002-03) Electrostatics Part 3-1: Methods for simulation of electrostatic effects - Human body model (HMB) - Component testing IEC 61340-3-2 (2002-03) Electrostatics Part 3-2: Methods for simulation of electrostatic effects - Machine model (MM) - Component testing ANSI/ESD S20.20-1999 ESD association standard for the Development of an Electrostatic Discharge Control Program for - Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment (Excluding Electrically Initiated Exposive Devices)