Tag Archives: antistatic chairs

9 tips to work properly in the EPAs

In previous articles we understood the importance of the tools that must be used in controlled static electricity areas. But what other precautions must be taken when working in EPAs?

1. It is important to collect defective components in protective containers that are removed after repair

The components diagnosed as faulty and removed from the groups must be treated with the same care and precautions as the functioning components. Only in this way, avoiding further damages, the analysis of the failures that may be carried out will be meaningful.

2. How to handle products in EPA areas

Components and assemblies must only be removed from their packaging in protected workplaces

  • At the end of the work phase put the groups in the specific containers
  • Do not allow components or groups to be touched by unauthorized people 
  • Periodically check workplaces and equipment

3. It is essential to put the groups back in the provided container

For each type of group a container must be provided

  • Overlaps / stacks of groups on the benches and shelves must be avoided
  • It is forbidden to place groups on equipment (oscilloscope, monitor, ..)

 

 

4. Components or assemblies must never be transported without the necessary protections

It is therefore necessary to use the containers to transport components and groups, for manual transports it will be sufficient to protect the groups and sticks of components with antistatic bags.

 

5. Rules to be observed in the repair and diagnostics phases of the products:

  • In case of powered product, it must be placed on a specific tool to avoid problems deriving from electric overstress, we recommend that the product must not be powered on surfaces that do not comply with the specifications.

  • Devices must not be removed from the circuits without first checking that the supply voltage is disconnected

  • Signals must not be applied to the inputs while the supply voltage is turned off.
  • You must use a special soldering iron at low voltage and controlled temperature (low voltage to avoid any dispersion of energy on the components, at controlled temperature to avoid excessive heat source on the components).

 

6. Precautions to be used for correct use of the soldering iron:

Avoid leaving the soldering iron on during rest or night hours, because overheating causes breakages and therefore incorrect temperature control. (+ -)

Periodically check the grounding of the soldering iron tip with a tester. The test is performed between the tip of the soldering iron and the earthing tab of the power plug.

If there is no continuity between the two points, the soldering iron tip must be cleaned with an iron brush. If no results are obtained, immediately discard the soldering iron.

7. It is forbidden to use radio equipment:

Radio equipment emits noise that can cause component damage.

 

8. Watch out for video terminals

Components, packages of components or groups must be kept away from video terminals or electrified equipment to avoid the influence of variable electrical disturbances harmful to sensitive devices.

 

9. Smoking is strictly forbidden in workplaces equipped for antistatic protection

The carbon monoxide that smoke generates causes oxidation of the groups contacts. When removing this oxidation, the rubbing movement (especially with unsuitable tools, e.g. brushes) produces static electricity which is due to a triboelectric effect.

 

 

Come and discover Gref, our esd chair line.

What is static electricity and why do we take the “shocks”?

Why do we take and give shocks every time we touch something?

Did it ever happen you were sitting at your desk, a person you don’t know comes up, you get up, hold out your hand and when you touch yourself you get shocked? Do you touch your hair and get shocked? Did it ever happen you were working in the factory,  touched metal objects and got shocked?
There are many examples, but the question remains the same: why do we take the shock from the objects and people we touch?
The cause is static electricity, let’s see what it is, and how we can stop taking the shock.
Static electricity is the superficial and localized accumulation of electric charges on a body. It can occur both in a conductive material and in an insulating material. It is a natural phenomenon or rather it is the “form” that electricity takes in nature.

How is static electricity produced?

Static electricity is produced due to a transfer of electrons from the body of one object to another.
The way in which static electricity is produced is by “rubbing” two objects on each other.
In technical language, static electricity is also called triboelectricity.

How does static electricity occur?

Static electricity occurs through electrostatic discharge.
The most common manifestations of static electricity are: the lightning or spark that occurs when, for example, a person touches metal objects such as cars or locks.

What is electrostatic discharge?

Electrostatic discharge is the phenomenon by which the electrostatic charge possessed by a body is neutralized.
Discharge occurs when an electrified body comes into contact with another body with a different electrical potential.

But how can you avoid taking the shock?

The main advice is to humidify the environment in which we find ourselves, in this way, thanks to humidity, energy dissipates from our body faster and does not accumulate it does not discharge when we touch, for example, a handle, or any other ‘conductor’ object or person.

But the best way to solve this problem is to choose an antistatic chair from Gref.

Gref is Grendene’s department that has been created with the strong mission to promote and guarantee safety for people who are exposed to electrostatic discharges in EPA areas.

In effect the chair is a dissipative vehicle for the electrostatic charges and it is essential and irreplaceable within the antistatic equipment, in the implementation of an anti-E.S.D. system, because it performs a dual function:
1. It prevents the generation of electrostatic charges on the sitting person’s body, despite one’s movements.
2. It guarantees the connection to the ground, discharging  the static electricity that may accumulate on the person’s body.

Discover all of our antistatic chairs.

Do you need more information?

For more information or to receive a quote on a particular product, contact us!