[REQUEST] Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) prevention.

[MrMacca]

Hello everyone,

I've recently been given a task to devise some ESD prevention actions within our work environment.

We have a high intake of desktop and laptop computers, many of which contain removable hard drives and NVME drives.

My question is, what ESD preventions do you feel are very important and should always be performed, and which can help but might be overkill.

Also what hardware would you recommend?

Kind regards

 

[GTP]

I'm confused. Your profile states "Computer User (not a technician)"?
But it also states "Digital Computer Forensic" as your occupation.

@Kitten Kong

 

[Kitten Kong]

I'm confused. Your profile states "Computer User (not a technician)"?
But it also states "Digital Computer Forensic" as your occupation.

@Kitten Kong

Thanks for the tag. Alls well.

 

[NviGate Systems]

ESD mat with WIRED ESD wrist strap. Simple, effective and more than likely overkill, but better safe than sorry.

 

[Markverhyden]

I've recently been given a task to devise some ESD prevention actions within our work environment.

What propelled this request?

You want to have metal benches and make sure they are grounded. As @NviGate Systems mentioned you can get mats and wrist bands but I think that's over kill. What's the floor covering? Carpeting is a major no-no. They do make special anti-static floor coatings for solid floors.

 

[mikeroq]

At my previous job we had metal frame benches with plywood tops. Outlets were attached to the metal frame in the middle of two benches, providing grounding. Then the two benches had a ground wire attached to the frame between them. That is all we had. Floor was laminate tile. The plywood top had big machine screws attaching to the frame. I would frequently run into a screw and discharge. Typically before opening a computer I would touch the frame or one the screws.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I always touch something first, and on servers...touch the chassis before leaning in to pull parts.

One thing I remember going back to the late 90's...some CompTIA A+ class, when you remove a component from an anti static bag (faraday cage)....don't place the bag on the counter...and then place the component on top of the bag. Worst place to put the component...because faraday cages take any static they can and keep it on their outside surface.

I'd often see other computer techs taking RAM or a video card out of the anti static bag..and place it on top of the bag on the counter.

 

[Metanis]

My workbench has a grounded metal "Lip" on the edges. I just maintain contact with that strip of metal at all times because my arms are resting on it as I work. If I stand up I merely need to touch it occasionally to stay grounded. I also maintain "foot" control. Never shuffle your feet while working on anything electronic.

 

[MrMacca]

I'm confused. Your profile states "Computer User (not a technician)"?
But it also states "Digital Computer Forensic" as your occupation.

@Kitten Kong

That's correct. many years ago I used this forum whilst working as a computer technician in a local retail computer repair shop. Since then however, I have changed jobs and I am now a digital computer forensic.

I'll get my profile updated as it's been quite a while since I last used these forums due to the change in work.

However I felt this was the perfect place to ask to see what others are doing and maybe find out some things I did not consider.

I'm thinking that a good floor replacement is needed as mentioned as the area we work in is Carpeted. I'm also not really wanting to adobt the wrist straps as it adds a bit of inconvenience, and therefore wanted to see what the majority of people say. However if it turns out they are the most needed aspect, then so be it.

Thanks so far for the suggestions and ideas.

Kind regards

 

[Markverhyden]

I'm thinking that a good floor replacement is needed as mentioned as the area we work in is Carpeted. I'm also not really wanting to adobt the wrist straps as it adds a bit of inconvenience, and therefore wanted to see what the majority of people say. However if it turns out they are the most needed aspect, then so be it.

I see where you're coming from now. Mass storage disassembly. If it was me I'd make sure the new floor has a solid color that contrasts well with silver/grey/black. No matter how meticulous one is those little parts can and do go flying off. I'd also recommend a mat but I don't think a wrist strap is necessary. As the others have touch, touch, touch goes a long way.

 

[labtech]

ESD mats are probably best with no carpeting. And get into the habit of touching metal to discharge yourself.