OK…! Let us Have some Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Fun

I was introduced to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) in 1997 when was been trained to be a Component Engineer. At that time, I was not aware of ESD and its implications…, actually, this concept was not formally introduced to me during my training. I realized this 6 years later, big surprise!

Back then, in 1997, due to my technical background, my main concern was to have the production lines and equipment up and running and that was all. But why it was imperative to use those wrist and heel straps? What was the purpose of the ionizer? So far, we were being using the ionizer for heating purposes, replicating the words of the line workers… “because the place is too cold due to the air condition set up”.

As I was able to delegate my technical duties, it came to my attention the amount of product process rejections we were having. And there the fun started, but ironically, I started to solved process fallout just looking at the workers behavior on the production lines and making some material changes. But what was done?

1. Understand the importance of our garments and equipment. Why was important for us to use all that? It is not important to use just because it was our uniform or because corporate has stablished it as mandatory. There was a reason…!
2. Follow procedures. With my comprehension on the importance of the garments and equipment. No matter if you are administrative or production related, everyone must use those garments if they are entering the production area. No exceptions!
3. Training of the personnel.  Training is essential in raising awareness and understanding of issues. Without training, personnel are often a major source of risk. Again… administrative or production related, everyone was trained.  Being responsible for evaluating component issues and dealing with suppliers, was important to be sure that our personnel was well trained and doing things the right way. Therefore, I became also a component recognition facilitator providing information on component handling and use.
4. Focusing on the production area procedures compliance. Now that they know the importance of the garments and equipment, there was a continuous verification of the proper use and operation of each.

Quite a job!

With a new job opportunity my training as ESD Engineer began in 2000 and was recognized as Intel Corporation Costa Rica Content Expert in 2002. Participate in groups focusing on Electrostatic Discharge issues, product start-ups and ensure compliance in certification/ qualification processes. Also, I conducted audits, trainings, materials testing and evaluations. I was pleased to work with equipment engineers in finding sources of ESD in equipment. Network with vendors and customers for ESD technology/controls.

For an engineer who stated this professional journey with an equipment technical background and knowing that ESD can cause harmful effects of importance in industry I founded ESD Engineering Partners. Visit our website.

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