BS EN 61340-5-1:2007 applies to activities that: manufacture, process, assemble, install, package, label, service, test, inspect, transport or otherwise handle electrical or electronic parts, assemblies and equipment susceptible to damage by electrostatic discharges greater than or equal to 100 V human body model (HBM).
BS EN 61340-5-1 provides the requirements for an ESD control program. The user should refer to IEC 61340-5-2 for guidance on the implementation of this standard. This standard does not apply to electrically initiated explosive devices, flammable liquids, gases and powders.
The purpose of BS EN 61340-5-1 is to provide the administrative and technical requirements for establishing, implementing and maintaining an ESD control program.
The fundamental ESD control principles that form the basis of this Standard are as follows:
- Avoid a discharge from any charged, conductive object (personnel and especially automated handling equipment) into the ESDS.
- Avoid a discharge from any charged ESD sensitive device. Charging can result from direct contact and separation or it can be field induced.
- Once outside of an electrostatic discharge protected area (hereinafter referred to as an EPA) it is often not possible to control the above items, therefore, ESD protective packaging may be required. ESD protection can be achieved by enclosing ESD sensitive products in static protective materials, although the type of material depends on the situation and destination.
Each company has different processes, and so will require a different blend of ESD prevention measures for an optimum ESD control program. It is vital that these measures are selected, based on technical necessity and carefully documented in an ESD control program plan, so that all concerned can be sure of the program requirements.