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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

Yellow ESD label (EPA entering notification)
Yellow ESD label (EPA whereabouts notification)
Yellow ESD label (EPA leaving notification)
Wrist straps and footwear tester
Footwear tester plate
Footwear and wrist straps testing protocol
ESD linoleum
Worktop grounding cable
Shelves grounding cable
Conductive wrist straps
Antistatic mat
Connecting plug for grounding cables
ESD boxes
SMD cabinet
L-shape PCB holder
Soldering station in ESD version
ESD gloves
Ionizer
ESD tools
ESD bags
ESD laboratory chair
ESD footwear
ESD garments
Conductive binders
ESD waste bin
Alliance series workbench
Classic series workbench
Movable table
Shelvings
Hygrometer
Grounding panel
Floor adhesive tape with ESD marks