Training Module: Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESDS)
Components in Aviation
Objective:
To provide store personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly
handle Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESDS) components in the aviation
industry, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Training Outline:
1. Introduction to ESDS Components
Definition of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
Importance of ESDS in aviation (e.g., avionics, sensors).
Consequences of improper handling (e.g., damage, safety risks).
2. Understanding ESD
What causes ESD?
o Static electricity and common sources.
How ESD affects electronic components.
Recognizing ESDS labels and symbols.
3. ESD Protection Program
Key components of an ESD control program:
o ESD-protected areas (EPA).
o Grounding systems.
o Anti-static materials and equipment.
Standards and regulations (e.g., ANSI/ESD S20.20, IEC 61340-5-1).
4. Handling Procedures
Personal protective equipment (PPE):
o Wrist straps, heel straps, ESD gloves.
Handling ESDS components:
o Use of ESD-safe tools.
o Proper storage in anti-static bags and containers.
Avoiding unsafe practices:
o Touching pins or connectors.
o Using unapproved packaging.
5. Storage and Transportation
Proper storage methods:
o Shelving with grounding.
o Maintaining appropriate humidity levels.
Transporting ESDS components safely:
o Use of grounded carts.
o Ensuring items are in anti-static packaging.
6. Inspection and Testing
Inspecting ESDS packaging for integrity.
Testing grounding systems regularly.
Verifying EPA compliance.
7. Hands-On Practice
Setting up an ESD-protected workstation.
Demonstrating correct handling techniques.
Role-playing scenarios to identify and correct improper practices.
8. Assessment and Certification
Written test covering key concepts.
Practical evaluation in handling ESDS components.
Certification upon successful completion.
Slide Content:
Slide 1: Title Slide
Title: Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESDS) Components in Aviation
Company logo
Presenter name and date
Slide 2: Introduction
What is ESD?
Importance of protecting ESDS components in aviation.
Examples of ESDS components.
Slide 3: Understanding ESD
Causes of ESD:
o Static electricity from clothing, flooring, and handling.
Effects on aviation electronics:
o Immediate failure.
o Latent defects leading to in-flight failures.
Slide 4: Recognizing ESDS Components
Images of ESDS symbols.
Examples of aviation ESDS components.
Slide 5: ESD Protection Program
Key elements:
o EPA setup.
o Grounding systems.
o Use of anti-static materials.
Compliance standards.
Slide 6: Handling Procedures
PPE examples: wrist straps, gloves.
Dos and Don’ts of handling ESDS components.
Video demonstration of proper handling.
Slide 7: Storage and Transportation
Safe storage examples:
o Anti-static bins.
o Shelving systems.
Transporting with grounded carts.
Slide 8: Inspection and Testing
Checklist for inspecting ESDS packaging.
Tools for testing grounding systems.
Slide 9: Hands-On Practice
Images of EPA setup.
Interactive activity: Identifying unsafe practices.
Slide 10: Assessment and Certification
Details of the written and practical tests.
Benefits of certification.
Materials Required:
Anti-static wrist straps and gloves.
Sample ESDS components and packaging.
Grounding mats and tools.
Visual aids (slides, videos).
Trainer Notes:
Emphasize the importance of vigilance in preventing ESD damage.
Encourage questions and hands-on participation.
Tailor examples to the specific aviation components used in your
organization.
Follow-Up:
Distribute quick-reference guides.
Schedule periodic refresher training.
Monitor compliance with regular audits.
ESDS :
Electrostatic discharge sensitive (ESDS) refers to devices that are sensitive to
electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD is the transfer of electrons that occurs when
two objects rub against each other. In aviation, ESD can be a concern during the
inspection, transportation, and installation of components.
Here are some best practices for handling electrostatic sensitive devices (ESDS):
Grounding: Before working with ESDS, ensure you are grounded by using
a wrist strap or grounding mat.
ESD-safe areas: Store and transport ESDS in an ESD-protected area
(EPA). EPAs can be entire buildings, rooms, or workstations. Only ESD-
trained personnel should have access to EPAs.
Static-safe containers: Use static-safe containers to transport and store
ESDS components.
Avoid touching: Avoid touching the pins and leads of ESDS components
or circuits.
Avoid clothing: Avoid letting ESDS boards or components come into
contact with clothing.
Static shielding: Place circuit boards in a static shielding bag or
clamshell before removing them from the work location.
Humidity: Maintain a relative humidity level between 20% and 80% non-
condensing.
Electrostatic detecting meter: Periodically check the effectiveness of
your electrostatic free workstation with an electrostatic detecting meter.
ESD protective materials: Use ESD-safe foam or bags to transport
components.
Antistatic garments: Wear antistatic garments or an antistatic wrist
strap.
ESD awareness symbols: Use ESD awareness symbols to indicate that
materials inside a package are ESD susceptible.
ESDS Symbols
Pink plastic is considered ESD protective because it's usually made from a special
polyethylene material with added anti-static additives that prevent the build-up
of static electricity, and the pink color serves as a visual indicator to easily
identify it as ESD-safe packaging, differentiating it from regular plastic bags; this
allows for proper handling of sensitive electronic components that can be
damaged by static discharge.
Key points about pink ESD protective plastic:
Anti-static properties:
The pink color signifies that the plastic has been treated with a chemical
additive that dissipates static charges, preventing them from
accumulating on the surface.
Visual identification:
The bright pink color easily distinguishes ESD-safe packaging from standard
packaging, reducing the risk of accidentally using the wrong material.
Not fully shielded:
While pink plastic can prevent static build-up, it usually doesn't provide complete
shielding from external electrostatic discharges, so proper handling practices
within an ESD protected area are still crucial.
