Grass Valley Safety Summary - Manual (Page 15)

ESD Protection
Electronics today are more susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage than older equipment.
Damage to equipment can occur by ESD fields that are smaller than you can feel. Implementing the
information in this section will help you protect the investment that you have made in purchasing
Grass Valley equipment. This section contains Grass Valley’s recommended ESD guidelines that
should be followed when handling electrostatic discharge sensitive (ESDS) items. These minimal
recommendations are based on the information in the
Sources of ESD and Risks on page 15 area.
The information in Grounding Requirements for Personnel on page 16 is provided to assist you in
selecting an appropriate grounding method.
Recommended ESD Guidelines
Follow these guidelines when handling Grass Valley equipment:
• Only trained personnel that are connected to a grounding system should handle ESDS items.
• Do not open any protective bag, box, or special shipping packaging until you have been grounded.
NOTE: When a Personal Grounding strap is unavailable, as an absolute minimum, touch a
metal object that is touching the floor (for example, a table, frame, or rack) to discharge any
static energy before touching an ESDS item.
• Open the anti-static packaging by slitting any existing adhesive tapes. Do not tear the tapes off.
• Remove the ESDS item by holding it by its edges or by a metal panel.
• Do not touch the components of an ESDS item unless it is absolutely necessary to configure or
repair the item.
• Keep the ESDS work area clear of all nonessential items such as coffee cups, pens, wrappers
and personal items as these items can discharge static. If you need to set an ESDS item down,
place it on an anti-static mat or on the anti-static packaging.
Sources of ESD and Risks
The following information identifies possible sources of electrostatic discharge and can be used to
help establish an ESD policy.
Personnel
One of the largest sources of static is personnel. The static can be released from a person’s clothing
and shoes.
Environment
The environment includes the humidity and floors in a work area. The humidity level must be
controlled and should not be allowed to fluctuate over a broad range. Relative humidity (RH) is a
major part in determining the level of static that is being generated. For example, at 10% - 20% RH
a person walking across a carpeted floor can develop 35kV; yet when the relative humidity is
increased to 70% - 80%, the person can only generate 1.5kV.
Static is generated as personnel move (or as equipment is moved) across a floor’s surface. Carpeted
and waxed vinyl floors contribute to static build up.
21 January 2013 Safety Summary 15