Process assessment techniques-1

1.0 PURPOSE, SCOPE, LIMITATION, AND EXPERIENCE LEVEL REQUIRED
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to describe a set of methodologies, techniques, and tools that can be
used to characterize a process where ESD sensitive (ESDS) items are handled. The process
assessment covers risks by charged personnel, ungrounded conductors, charged ESDS items, and
ESDS items in an electrostatic field.
1.2 Scope
This document applies to activities that manufacture, process, assemble, install, package, label, service,
test, inspect, transport, or otherwise handle electrical or electronic parts, assemblies, and equipment
susceptible to damage by electrostatic discharges. This document does not apply to electrically initiated
explosive items, flammable liquids, or powders. The document does not address program management,
compliance verification, troubleshooting, or program manager/coordinator certification. In this version of
the document, risks due to electromagnetic sources that produce AC fields are not considered.
1.3 Limitation
No detailed description of the processes and measurement techniques is given. An example of a simple
risk assessment of a discharge from a charged human body is described in Annex D.
Due to the sampling nature in this document's procedures, deficiencies may exist that are not detected
at the time the measurements are made. The measurements described are valid only at the time the
measurements are made and may or may not change with time.
NOTE: Environmental parameters such as temperature and relative humidity (RH) may significantly impact the
measurement results.
1.4 Experience Level Required
The procedures in this document are for use by personnel possessing advanced knowledge and
experience with electrostatic measurements. The interpretation of the results from the measurements
described in this document requires significant experience and knowledge of the physics of ESD and
the process.