6
ESD TESTING
1.4.2. Test Station
Location
Select an area away from the mainstream of activity where employees do not walk
while performing their normal duties. If this is not practical because of production line
flow, then the area should be roped off and marked for
HIGH VOLTAGE TESTING
.
No employees other than test operators should be allowed inside.
If benches are placed back-to-back, be especially careful about the use of the bench
opposite the test station. Signs should be posted:
“DANGER – HIGH VOLTAGE
TEST IN PROGRESS
– UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL KEEP AWAY.”
Work Area
When possible, use the instrument on a non-conducting table or workbench. If you
cannot avoid using a conductive surface, be certain that it is connected to a good
earth ground and the high voltage connection is insulated from the grounded surface.
There should not be any metal in the work area between the operator and the location
where products being tested will be positioned. Any other metal in the work area
should be connected to a goo
d ground, never left “floating”.
Keep the area clean and uncluttered. All test equipment and unnecessary test leads
should be removed from the test bench and put
away. It should be apparent to both the operator
and to any observers which product is under test,
which product is waiting to be tested and which
product has already been tested.
Power
Power to the test station should be arranged so that
it can be shut off by one prominently marked switch
located at the entrance to the test area. In case of
an emergency, anyone should be able to cut off the
power before entering the test area to offer
assistance.
More Information
For more information on setting up a safe work station, please visit the Events and
Training section of our website at
http://www.asresearch.com/events-
Electrical safety tests
should not be
performed in or around
ESD testing areas.
ESD methods should
not be employed during
electrical safety testing,
as this could cause a
hazardous condition for
equipment and test
operators.
