The Seven Habits of a Highly Effective ESD Program

This chapter explores the habits of a highly effective electrostatic discharge (ESD) program, the reasons for them, and how to decide what should be included in our habitual practices. The key factor in identification of an electrostatic discharge‐sensitive (ESDS) device is understanding that the item would be at some risk of ESD damage if handled in an unprotected area without precautions. The habits of highly effective ESD program include: always handle ESDS components within an ESD protected area; avoid use of insulators near ESDS; reduce ESD risks from essential insulators; ground conductors, especially people; protect ESDS using ESD packaging; train personnel to know how to use ESD control equipment and procedures; and check and test to make sure everything is working. Standard ESD control programs largely address the most common ESD sources, namely, charged personnel, charged metal objects, and charge devices.