Designing an effective ESD Programme....

An effective ESD programme has four aspects;

• Appropriate ESD measures, specified in an ESD Programme document

• ESD Training for all personnel involved

• An ESD control product qualification plan, specifying the basis for selecting the equipment and materials used in the ESD control programme

• A verification programme, to monitor the compliance of the ESD facilities and operations with the ESD Programme

The ESD Programme Plan is the document which specifies the requirements of the ESD prevention measures. This is often compliant with a Standard such IEC 61340-5-1 or ANSI/ESD S20.20, and written up in an in-house document according to the organisations Quality requirements.

ESD Training is required so that all personnel who are involved are aware of ESD risks and how to avoid them. They also need to know what equipment, materials and procedures are acceptable in and ESD protected area, and any process specific aspects.

A poorly trained person presents the greatest source of ESD risk. A trained person can become the greatest defence against ESD.

ESD control product qualification ensures that the equipment and materials sourced for use in ESD control work as intended.

The compliance of all aspects of the ESD equipment, procedures and training must be checked at regular intervals, otherwise gradual deterioration can be expected. Equipment will fail after a time, non-compliant materials and equipment will stray into an EPA. Static awareness and correct use of procedures will tend to gradually fade unless reinforced by refresher training.