The ESD S20 20 Audit Checklist

Statistical process checking (SPC) is an ongoing monitoring activity performed by operations personnel on a regular basis to assist with process adjustments. By keeping detailed records, SPC helps trigger necessary modifications.

All items handled within an EPA should be clearly identifiable with appropriate precautionary marking and ESD-protective packaging, while items without such identification must be thoroughly investigated.

1. Review the ESD Control Plan
ESD damage is one of the more frequently overlooked costs in electronics manufacturing, yet it’s easy to manage if appropriate precautions are consistently observed. The first step should be creating a detailed written plan which includes regular auditing activities.

Your plan must also outline where electrostatically sensitive items (EPAs) will be handled and classified by classification and voltage rating. All insulated products must also be packaged to create a Faraday cage to safeguard them against static charges and fields.

2. Review the ESD Training Program
Every individual who works in an area utilizing ESD equipment should undergo ESD training and certification sessions. These may be provided to new employees or as refresher courses for existing staff.

Performing a daily compliance verification audit is crucial. This audit checks for the presence of insulators and grounding devices on worksurface matting, to ensure all operators are grounded via their wrist straps, and checks that operators log continuity to ground when entering an EPA.

Audits help ensure that specified procedures are being followed consistently and can identify trends in data that might indicate equipment or materials deteriorating over time.

3. Review the ESD Equipment
ESD equipment refers to any device or implementation designed to prevent electrostatic discharge. Different work environments call for different ESD products; for instance, computer repair shops might not require as stringent ESD control measures as printed circuit board fabricators would.

Products used for ESD control typically include wrist straps and grounding cords to help ensure operators and technicians remain grounded throughout their day of work. Antistatic table mats and ESD aprons also assist in keeping workers grounded, thus protecting sensitive components from becoming exposed.

4. Review the Materials
An effective ESD control program must include an extensive inventory of materials to reduce confusion in the marketplace and make it simpler to identify an item not suitable for use within a particular work area, such as plastic squirt bottles, styrofoam, regular tape or anything else which might damage components and assemblies.

Attend a TR53-certified ESD Auditor course and you will learn how to perform compliance verification measurements for worksurfaces, flooring and packaging – as well as identify any measurements which do not comply with requirements and their cause.

5. Review the Procedures
Audits are an integral component of an effective ESD control program. They help identify problems and gather data for retraining or altering procedures.

Although an official audit conducted by an objective 3rd party is strongly encouraged, internal audits performed at least annually by qualified employees should also be performed. This TR53 Certified ESD Control Auditor course teaches inspectors the proper techniques for using tools & equipment included in their audit toolkit to conduct internal ESD assessments.

6. Review the Work Areas
Work areas are designated areas in which job-related tasks can be carried out. They can take the form of physical workspaces like offices and factories, or virtual ones like computer desktops and online platforms. A well-designed work area can help boost employee satisfaction while increasing productivity.

An effective ESD control program can be assessed through reviewing working areas. This should involve inspecting cubicles, desks and workbenches as well as adhering to ESD control SOPs as well as having enough storage materials available for electronic equipment.