Handling of Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESDS) Item. Interesting topic for aviation lovers.
What is Electrostatic Discharge ?
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the flow of electricity between two electrically charged points caused by contact or an electrical short, or dielectric breakdown.
The electrostatic discharge occurs when differently-charged items are close together or when the dielectric between them breaks down, often creating a visible spark.
Types of Electrostatic Discharge
Three types of electrostatic discharge-
(1) Sparks
(2) Corona Discharge
(3) Brush Discharge
Handing of ESDS items inside Avionics Shop
A static controlled work area means a work area with static dissipation or conductive table mat, which is connected to earth ground through resistor. This also has jack point where wrist straps can be connected. No static generating material is allowed in this area. All electrical equipment used shall be grounded. Periodic checks of the static control work areas should be conducted to ensure all ESD protection elements or in good working order.
All ESDS items will be properly identified and stored and caution/warning as given in the vendors’ manual should be followed.
Clean Room Classification of Avionics Shops in Aviation
Procedure:
(i) The Avionics Shop is to be maintained as a class IV clean room.
(ii) The shop shall have conventional air flow.
(iii) The temperature in the shop shall be maintained at 20 + 2º Celsius.
(iv) The humidity in the shop shall be maintained at 35 to 50 %.
(v) The maximum number of particles of various size in the radio shop should be within limits.
(vii) Smoking shall not be allowed in the Avionics Shop.
(Viii) Shoe shall not be allowed in the Avionics Shop.