The safe and proper control of electrostatic discharge (ESD) is one of the most critical challenges facing the electronics industry today. To address this concern, IPC — Association Connecting Electronics Industries and the Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESDA) have released a new ESD training video, dubbed "DVD-74C, ESD Control for Electronics Assembly."

The collaborative parties say that the DVD collaboration of industry experts provides thorough ESD training for electronics assembly operators to deal with the effects of shrinking geometries, increased performance requirements and lower operating voltages, and at the same time, prevent costly failures and expensive rework.

IPC notes that initial and yearly ESD awareness and prevention training is required for all personnel in the supply chain who handle or otherwise come into contact with any electrostatic discharge sensitive (ESDS) items. The educational video provides an overview of ESD physics, including static electricity generation and triboelectric charging.

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In addition, ESD failure models are covered, as are techniques to control ESD, including personal grounding for seated and standing operations, monitoring wrist straps, controlling static charges in the work area, and proper handling, packaging and transporting of ESD sensitive devices, in accordance with the ESDA standard ANSI/ESD S20.20.

“This product offers the most up-to-date, technically accurate ESD control video training currently available,” says Mark Pritchard, IPC director of media training. “Covering all the basics of ESD awareness and prevention training, it provides a unique opportunity to obtain ‘ESD Safe’ certification from both IPC and ESDA.”

DVD-74C includes paper-based or free online testing with certificates of completion for ISO “verification of training.” The video training is also available in an online video format, OVT-74C, providing convenient access-on-demand over network infrastructures and over company intranets for distance learning applications.

The online training video is offered in two versions: a site license to train an unlimited number at a single facilty, and a global license for training at multiple sites.

“The video training is far more cost-effective than sending staff to off-site training sessions,” notes Pritchard. “Plus, the online format offers the added convenience of 24/7 access from any workstation throughout the facility.”

For more information or to purchase DVD-74C, ESD Control for Electronics Assembly, visit http://www.electronics.ca/publications/products/ESD-Control-for-Electronics-Assembly.html