EPA scheme

In sensitive electronics manufacturing, electronics components sub-assemblies and assemblies prevention of ESD (Electrostatic discharge) is based on an Electrostatic Protective Area (EPA). The EPA can be a small workstation or a large manufacturing area. The main principle of an EPA is that there are no highly-charging materials in the vicinity of ESD sensitive electronics, all conductive materials are grounded, workers are grounded, and charge build-up on ESD sensitive electronics is prevented. International standards are used to define a typical EPA and can be found for example from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and its national branches in the form of national Technical committees.

ESD prevention within an EPA should involve ESD furniture and tools, appropriate ESD-safe packing material, the use of antistatic garments worn by assembly workers, conductive wrist straps and footwear to prevent high voltages from accumulating on workers' bodies, anti-static mats or conductive flooring materials to conduct harmful electric charges away from the work area, and humidity control. Humid conditions prevent electrostatic charge generation because the thin layer of moisture that accumulates on most surfaces serves to dissipate electric charges. Ion generators (ionizers) are sometimes used to inject ions into the ambient airstream.

Thus the creation of an EPA is an essential requirement for any company manufacturing or repairing electronics equipment.

EPA includes

1. 1.Yellow ESD label (EPA entering notification)
2. 2.Yellow ESD label (EPA whereabouts notification)
3. 3.Yellow ESD label (EPA leaving notification)
4. 4.Wrist straps and footwear tester
5. 5.Footwear tester plate
6. 6.Footwear and wrist straps testing protocol
7. 7.ESD linoleum
8. 8.Worktop grounding cable
9. 9.Shelves grounding cable
10. 10.Conductive wrist straps
11. 11.Antistatic mat
12. 12.Connecting plug for grounding cables
13. 13.ESD boxes
14. 14.SMD cabinet
15. 15.L-shape PCB holder
16. 16.Soldering station in ESD version
17. 18.Ionizer
18. 19.ESD tools
19. 21.ESD laboratory chair
20. 22.ESD footwear
21. 23.ESD garments
22. 24.Conductive binders
23. 25.ESD waste bin
24. 26.Platinum series workbench
25. 27.Argentum series workbench
26. 28.Movable table
27. 29.Shelvings
28. 30.Hygrometer
29. 31.Grounding panel
30. 32.Floor adhesive tape with ESD marks