Per EN 61340-5-1 paragraph 5.5 EPA working practices

"The primary means of grounding personnel shall normally be by a wrist strap connected to an EBP." Paragraph 5.2.7, "The wrist strap shall consist of a band that fits snugly around the wrist and a cord to connect the band to an EBP. The wrist strap shall incorporate a quick release connection. The cord shall have a termination compatible with the EBP and shall incorporate at least one insulated current-limiting resistor. The total resistance from hand to EBP shall be in accordance with table 1 (Rg 7.5 x 10E5 to 3.5 x 10E7 ohms)."

Per EN 61340-5-1

"When the use of a wrist strap system is impractical, the [ESD] floor and [ESD] footwear shall be the primary means of ESD control. As most people do not stand on both feet, it is importatnt that paths to ground are made in the heel and toe area of both feet. Where toe and heel straps are used as ESD footwear, once these are worn outside the EPA, particularly on carpets, they are likely to accumulate fluff and become ineffective; this requires that they be checked or replaced on every visit to the EPA. ...When ESD footwear is used, it should be noted that ESD footwear alone cannot achieve protection, but needs to be used in conjunction with a suitable ESD floor." (Per EN 61340-5-2 Paragraph 5.2.8 Footwear)

Per EN 61340-5-2 paragraph 5.2.5

"Garments on which high levels of static electricity can be generated are one of the causes of ESD damage. It is important that such charged garments do not come into contact with [ESD sensitive items]. The covering garments need to be grounded, either through direct contact with the wearer’s skin, or by alternative means such as being electrically connected to a wrist strap. It is important that the ESD protective garment sleeves cover the end of the inner garment sleeves."

Per EN 61340-5-1 paragrah 5.2.2 Working Surfaces and Storage Racks

"All working surfaces and storage racks on which unprotected ESDS [ESD sensitive items] may be placed shall be capable of being connected to EPA [ESD protected area] ground and shall have a point-to-point resistance and resistance to EPA ground in accordance with table 1 [Rp greater or equal to 1 x 10E4, less than or equal to 1 x 10E9 ohms, and Rg greater or equal to 7.5 x 10E5 to less than or equal to 1 x 109 ohms]."

Grounding per EN 61340-5-1 and –2

“An easily accessible dedicated EBP [EPA ground bonding point] for the wrist strap shall be established adjacent to each working area, or working surface. A sufficient number of EBP shall be provided for operators and visitors.” (EN 61340-5-1 section 5.3.3)
“EPA ground cords shall be used to make electrical connections between groundable points and the EPA ground facility.” (EN 61340-5-1 section 5.3.4)
Regarding 1 megohm resistor, “A nominal 1 megohm resistor is commonly used in wrist straps and to ground work surfaces.” [EN 61340-5-2: Section 5.1.1] However, for Working Surfaces, it refers to “it is allowed, when approved by the ESD coordinator, to use surfaces which are “hard ground” i.e. less than 1 X 10^4 ohms to EPA ground.” (EN 61340-5-1 Note 6 of Table 1)
“The EPA ground facility shall be connected to EPA ground and provide a low resistance path to EPA ground (<2 ohms). When available, the mains protective earth shall be used. (EN 61340-5-1 section 5.3.2)

Per EN 61340-5-2 paragraph 5.5 EPA working practices

If people cannot be grounded via a wrist strap, “then the floor and suitable footwear should be used as an alternative.”

Using Statguard® static dissipative floor finish converts a non-ESD floor into an ESD floor. It can also protect existing ESD flooring from stains and scratches while keeping it looking beautiful. Charleswater manufactures high quality products at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Canton, Massachusetts, USA. We maintain the advantage of controlling the production and quality assurance of our chemical products.

ESD Bags Meet EN 61340-5-1 Requirements

“Low charging packaging exhibiting properties which minimise any charge generation” (paragraph 3.18.1) “Electrostatic discharge shielding barrier or enclosure that limits the passage of current and attenuates the energy resulting from an electrostatic discharge such that the maximum energy from 1,000 V human body model discharge is less than or equal to 50 nJ.” (paragraph 3.18.2) “Identified with ESD packaging symbol, manufacturer, and batch identification number” (paragraph 4.1.2)

EN 61340-5-2 paragraph 5.2.9

"Ionisers should be considered as a method for charge neutralisation in cases where grounding cannot be achieved. Air ionisation can neutralise the static charge on insulated and isolated objects by producing separate charges in the molecules of the gases of the surrounding air. When a static charge is present on objects in the work environment, it will be neutralised by attracting opposite polarity charges from the ionised air.”

Select Charleswater Test Equipment to Fulfill the Requirements of EN 61340-5-1 Paragraph 5.3.6

“Once the [ESD protected area] is constructed or modified, the ESD coordinator shall audit the facility to confirm that the requirements are met. A list and location of all EPA equipment shall be prepared and maintained.” Test equipment shall be selected to make measurements of appropriate properties of the technical requirements that are incorporated into the ESD programme plan. Charleswater Testers and Monitors verify the proper functioning of items that provide ESD protection.