What items do I need for a simple ESD workstation?
Anyone who wants to set up a simple ESD workstation is faced with the question of which items are part of the basic equipment. The aim of this article is to show you what you need to set up an ESD workstation with the basic equipment.
Why do you need an ESD workstation?
An ESD workstation is designed to protect against uncontrolled electrostatic discharge, for example on a component that you are currently working with. ESD is the abbreviation for “electrostatic discharge”. ESD workstations are set up in so-called ESD protection zones (EPA) in particular. The requirements for an ESD workstation are based on the DIN EN 61340-5-1 standard.
ESD workstation equipment
To summarize, the following ESD workplace equipment is part of the basic equipment of an ESD workplace:
- ESD work table
- ESD chair
- ESD table mat
- ESD lamp
- ESD wristband
- ESD floor
- ESD tape
- ESD shield
The ESD workbench is the central piece of equipment in an ESD workstation. To ensure that this special table can dissipate electrostatic charges, it must be made of materials with the appropriate dissipative properties. There are also ESD workbenches that already have an ESD rubber mat (table mat) as a table surface, as well as socket connections, earthing connections, lighting and cabinets, among other things.
ESD chairs are required if the activity at the ESD workstation is carried out at least in a seated position. The ESD chair can take on the function of earthing a person, but when working in a seated position, the person must still always be earthed via an earthing strap. All parts of the chair must have a dissipative connection to earth and therefore be made of an ESD dissipative material. As an alternative to the ESD chair, you can also sit on an ESD stool stool.
A ESD table mat is also made of a dissipative material. It serves as a carpet pad on the ESD work table. There are ESD table mats with and without press studs. If there is a push button, it can be used to establish a connection to ESD earth using an earthing cable. With such an ESD table mat covering, a normal, existing work table can also be easily made ESD-compatible. In some cases, the employee’s ESD wristband can also be connected to the table mat connection of the earthing cable.
There are also ESD lamps specially manufactured for the ESD area, which can be used in ESD workplaces if required.
The ESD wrist strap – also known as an ESD earthing strap or ESD wrist strap – is designed to dissipate electrostatic charges to ESD earth. The earthing strap of the respective employee is connected to an earthing connection for this purpose.
Also an ESD floor is also part of the ESD workplace equipment. A correct ESD floor serves as the main grounding measure for standing work and grounding via the ESD footwear is therefore sufficient. The individual equipment elements located at the ESD workstation should lead to this ESD floor if they are not otherwise earthed. If so-called
With the help of an ESD tape should be used to mark the ESD-protected area around the ESD workstation. This is important if the entire room is not designed as an ESD protection zone. However, if the entire room is ESD-protected, the ESD tape should be placed in front of the entrance to this room.
With an ESD sign can also be used to indicate that this is an ESD workstation.
In addition to this basic ESD workplace equipment, further ESD equipment may be required depending on the activity or intended use.
If many different tools are to be used in connection with the ESD workstation, you should also consider purchasing an ESD tool cabinet or an ESD assembly trolley with drawers.
If a large number of parts need to be within easy reach for assembly under ESD conditions, an ESD shelf in the immediate vicinity of the ESD workstation can be helpful.
As a rule, the parts to be assembled are stored in containers, which must also be ESD-protected. These ESD containers can be transported with an ESD transport trolley to the ESD rack at the workplace.
An ESD magnifying glass is recommended for anyone working with very small particles at the ESD workplace.
What else is needed for an ESD protection zone
An ESD-protected workplace alone does not constitute an ESD protection zone. If you want to set up an EPA, i.e. an “ESD protected area”, you must also ensure that the employees working there wear ESD clothing and ESD footwear.
When planning the installation of the ESD workstation, you should also consider whether the ESD protection zone should only be set up around the ESD workstation or whether it should be extended to the entire room.
We help you set up your ESD workstation
If you would like to know which products are best suited for your purposes in order to set up an ESD workstation, simply contact us. We at abovo will be happy to help you choose the right ESD equipment without obligation.
Design now with the 3D configurator from Treston to design your ESD workstation according to your individual requirements. When you are finished, you will receive a parts list, a drawing and soon our offer by e-mail.
However, you can also search for the ESD workplace equipment you need yourself by browsing the abovo online store. Abovo stocks a wide range of ESD items, including ESD furniture such as tables and chairs, ESD table and floor material, ESD wristbands, ESD cables and much more.
