1 Scope

This part of IEC 61340 establishes a set of methodologies, techniques, and instruments to characterize a process where electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive items (ESDS) are handled. ESD risk assessment covers risks by charged personnel, ungrounded conductors, charged ESDS, charged insulators, and ESDS in an electrostatic field.

This document 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.

This document does not apply to electrically initiated explosive items, flammable gases and liquids or powders.

The document does not address program management, compliance verification or program manager/coordinator certification.

Risks due to electromagnetic sources that produce AC fields are not considered.

Descriptions of measurement techniques are given in Annex A.

Annex B provides best practices for grounding automated handling equipment (AHE), Annex C summarizes the best practices to prepare an effective ESD risk assessment, and Annex D introduces mitigation measures resulting from the ESD process assessment.