ESD protection: How to plan an electrostatic protected area (EPA)

ESD (short for electrostatic discharge) could be dangerous in manufacturing operations within the electronics industry since it can lead to total failures as well as hidden defects in electronic assemblies (semiconductor devices).

An ESD protected area, also known as an EPA (electrostatic protected area), provides effective protection against damage caused by electrostatic discharge. All precautionary measures are taken here to be able to work with electrostatically sensitive assemblies without damaging them.

An extensive ESD protected area (EPA) comprises the following areas (minimum requirements according to DIN EN 61340-5-1):
-ESD workstation: Your workstation, employees, chair, floor and markings are charge neutral.
-ESD shoes: It is a compulsory requirement for employees to wear antistatic shoes.
-ESD clothing: You wear clothing that prevents or dissipates electrostatic charge.
-ESD tools: ESD-appropriate tools guarantee the safe handling of your assemblies.
-ESD containers and shelving: Ideally you use containers that can dissipate electrostatic charges as storage and transport units and use shelves and cabinets that dissipate electronic charges as storage places.
-ESD test: Your protection equipment is regularly checked using measuring technology.

The Hoffmann Group provides you with everything from a single source:
-We can develop a tailor-made EPA for you
-And provide you with the appropriate products for dealing with ESD-sensitive assemblies.