Store reusable ESD-sensitive parts from assemblies in protective packaging or nonconductive foam.

Use transporters and pointing stick conveyors made of antistatic belts and roller bushings. Be sure that mechanized equipment used for moving materials is wired to ground and that proper materials are selected to avoid static charging. When grounding is not possible, use an ionizer to dissipate electric charges.

Workstation guidelines

Follow these grounding workstation guidelines:

Cover the workstation with approved static-shielding material.

Use a wrist strap connected to a properly grounded work surface and use properly grounded tools and equipment.

Use conductive field service tools, such as cutters, screwdrivers, and vacuums.

When fixtures must directly contact dissipative surfaces, use fixtures made only of static-safe materials.

Keep the work area free of non conductive materials, such as ordinary plastic assembly aids and Styrofoam.

Handle ESD-sensitive components, parts, and assemblies by the case or PCM laminate. Handle these items only at static-free workstations.

Avoid and pointing stick contact with pins, leads, or circuitry.

Turn off power and input signals before inserting or removing connectors or test equipment.

Equipment guidelines

Grounding equipment must include either a wrist strap or a foot strap at a grounded workstation.

When seated, wear a wrist strap connected to a grounded system. Wrist straps are flexible straps with a minimum of one megohm ±10% resistance in the ground and pointing stick cords. To provide proper ground, wear a strap snugly against the skin at all times. On grounded mats with banana-plug connectors, use alligator clips to connect a wrist strap.

When standing, use foot straps and a grounded floor mat. Foot straps (heel, toe, or boot straps) can be used at standing workstations and are compatible with most types of shoes or boots. On conductive floors or dissipative floor mats, use foot straps on both feet with a minimum of one megohm resistance between the operator and ground. To be effective, the conductive strips must be worn in contact with the skin.

The following grounding equipment is recommended to prevent electrostatic damage:

Antistatic tape

Antistatic smocks, aprons, and sleeve protectors

Conductive bins and other assembly or soldering aids

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Chapter 4 Removal and replacement procedures preliminary requirements