ESD audits – for example in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1 – are carried out regularly in companies that work with electrostatically sensitive components to ensure that ESD protection is effective.

The following article explains what an ESD audit according to DIN EN 61340-5-1 is, what the reasons and objectives are, what preparations should be made, what the result of such an audit is and what exactly is checked during the ESD audit DIN EN 61340-5-1.

What is an ESD audit according to DIN EN 61340-5-1?

DIN EN 61340-5-1 entitled “Protection of electronic components against electrostatic phenomena” is a standard that deals with technical and administrative measures for the protection of electronic components and assemblies against electrostatic discharge, i.e. their ESD protection. Specifically, this standard regulates the necessary requirements for the design, creation, establishment and maintenance of an ESD control program as a measure against electrostatic discharge.

The DIN EN 61340-5-1 standard is also known as IEC 61340-5-1:2024. The year at the end of the standard refers to the respective version, whereby IEC 61340-5-1:2024 is the latest version of this standard.

In an ESD audit in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1, either an internal employee or an external third party checks whether the requirements for the ESD control program regulated in this standard are met, i.e. whether it complies with the standard, and whether the processes and protective measures defined in the ESD control program are adhered to, i.e. whether it is applied correctly. The ESD audit itself is basically an essential part of a functioning ESD control program.

Specifically, the documentation and protocols created as part of the ESD control program are checked and random measurements are carried out as part of an ESD audit. Further points that are checked are listed below in the section “What is checked during an ESD audit”.

Reasons for and objectives of an ESD audit

The reasons why an ESD audit in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1 is carried out can vary, for example to obtain certification in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1 or as a control audit to prove that the certified company continues to meet the ESD requirements.

In addition to the ESD audit of your own company, it may also be useful or necessary to have an ESD audit carried out at your suppliers to ensure that you receive ESD-protected goods.

The aim of an ESD audit is to ensure that the electronic components in the respective companies are not damaged or destroyed by electrostatic discharges, for example when these components are handled, processed, stored or transported. Thanks to effective ESD protection, rejected goods, malfunctions and long-term damage that would otherwise occur due to electrostatic discharge are reduced. An ESD audit is therefore in the interest of every company that deals with sensitive electronic components, because in addition to proving ESD conformity, it is also about improving ESD protection measures to prevent ESD damage.

Preparation of the ESD audit

An ESD audit must be prepared well in advance. A central audit element is the ESD control program plan with precisely defined limit values and test procedures, for example with regard to the ESD control elements and ESD protective materials used in the company. Without a basis for comparison, it is difficult to measure the success of the ESD protection measures as part of an ESD audit.

However, short-term preparatory measures are also recommended before the actual ESD audit. For example, it is advisable to carry out a pre-audit, or at least an ESD inspection, in order to identify any deviations from the ESD control program plan and any changes to operating procedures at an early stage. It should also be noted that the ESD audit not only checks those operating areas that have been defined as ESD-sensitive, but also those areas that have been declared non-ESD-sensitive in order to verify that no ESD protection is actually required there.

DIN EN 61340-5-1 is accompanied by DIN EN 61340-5-2 , a manual designed to support users in the development, introduction and monitoring of an ESD control program.

Another guide to ESD auditing is Part 4 of the EOS/ESD Association’s “ESD Fundamentals” series entitled “Part 4 Training and Auditing“, in which principles relating to ESD training and ESD audits are conveyed.

Final report and action plan

After the ESD audit, the audited company usually receives an audit report with the findings and the course of the ESD audit. If the ESD auditor identifies deviations from the ESD control program or other shortcomings in ESD protection, these are documented and, if there is potential for improvement, the auditor can recommend appropriate measures, which are recorded in an action plan.

What is checked during an ESD audit

An ESD audit is usually carried out by the ESD auditor in the following steps:

1st verification step: ESD control program and documentation

The first step in the ESD audit is to check the following points:

  • Existence and completeness of the ESD control program plan, in which all ESD measures are documented
  • Proof of an ESD officer/ ESD coordinator who is responsible for implementing and monitoring the ESD control program
  • Proof of training for all employees working in ESD areas
  • Documentation of procedures and work instructions relating to ESD protection
  • Traceability of processes that are relevant to ESD
  • Existence of a verification plan with which the ESD protection measures and their effectiveness are regularly checked

2nd verification step: Technical requirements and measurements

In the second step, the following points are checked during the ESD audit:

  • Regular measurements of the leakage resistance of floor coverings, tables or tools, for example
  • Regular inspection of earthing systems, such as personal earthing, earthing of workstations or equipment
  • Regular inspection and calibration of ESD measuring devices
  • Regular monitoring of environmental conditions such as humidity
  • Regularly check the effectiveness of ionizing units

3rd inspection step: ESD-protected areas in operation

In the third step, the following points are checked during the ESD audit:

  • Definition and labeling of ESD-protected areas, such as ESD protection zones (EPAs) and ESD workstations
  • Equipping ESD-protected areas, including the use of ESD furniture, ESD floor coverings and ESD tools
  • Use of ESD protective equipment and ESD test devices by employees in ESD-protected areas
  • Existence of access control to ESD-protected areas such as ESD protection zones (EPAs) or ESD protection areas

4th review step: Material management and component management

In the fourth step, the following points are checked during the ESD audit:

  • ESD packaging for transportation and storage
  • ESD labeling of sensitive components and packaging
  • ESD-safe storage of ESD-sensitive components in suitable areas
  • Incoming goods inspection taking into account ESD requirements
  • Traceability of materials that are related to ESD protection

5th review step: Employee training and employee behavior

In the fifth step, the following points are checked during the ESD audit:

  • Review of training programs including training documents
  • Reviewing the rules on employee behavior, such as the instructions on behavior in ESD protection zones, such as wearing ESD protective equipment, and observing the actual behavior of employees
  • Check whether employees have understood the ESD hazard and the defined ESD protection measures

6th review step: Evaluation and continuous improvement measures

In the sixth step, the following points are checked during the ESD audit:

  • Check whether internal audits are carried out with regard to compliance with the ESD control program
  • Check whether corrective measures are taken in the event of deviations detected
  • Review of management assessments for continuous improvement of the ESD control program

In the following article you will find an ESD audit checklist or ESD audit questions that you can use to check the ESD protection measures in your company as part of the ESD audit:

However, it is important to avoid ESD checklists becoming de facto requirement lists and to document the ESD requirements separately and in detail. It is also advisable to create your own ESD checklists that meet the individual requirements of the specific company.

You may also find the following articles useful in the context of an upcoming ESD audit:

Advice on ESD audits in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1

If you have any questions about ESD audits in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1, please do not hesitate to contact us at abovo, the ESD specialist wholesaler. We will be happy to advise you if you are due for an ESD audit.

The best way to contact the ESD experts at abovo is by telephone or e-mail:

  • Telephone number: +41 32 552 44 44
  • E-mail: info@abovo.ch

If you decide to contact us by e-mail, we will reply as quickly as possible.

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