Continuing a discussion from a thread on ESD mats vs. bench size (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=21701&highlight=ESD), Amaterasu posed a PM question on ESD training. I thought I would share the answer:

We use an ancient video from Desco that goes through the basics of what Electro-Static Discharge is, how it is generated, why electronics can be damaged and how to protect against ESD. We keep showing it because it covers all the ground, even though it is really outdated. There is actually a guy smoking a pipe while he inspects circuit boards. I hand out hard candy to anyone who points out that one or the other no-no in the video (or point them out myself).

All of these basics are included in a newer booklet from Desco, available in English and Spanish. (http://www.desco.com/DescoCatalog/EducationAwarenessAccessories/ESDTraining/).

To meet the training effectiveness and other documentation requirements of ISO 9001 & the training requirements of ANSI/ESD 20.20 we do this.

Schedule training session for new employees
Have them print and sign their name on an attendance sheet
Have everyone take the 25 question, true/false ESD quiz
Show the video, review the highlights in the book.
Have everyone take the quiz again.

Everyone's scores improve so we know that the training is working.

The next year (20.20 requires annual training) for previously trained employees (of course I know who they are because I have training records), we just hit the highlights in the book, asking a random someone a question on each page to make sure that everyone pays attention. We take the quiz again and (on average) everyone's score improves (or is already perfect).

There we go, training effectiveness, records, annual retraining, and actual learning. Combined with ESD mats on every bench, conductive floors, wrist straps and heels straps, and measurement confirmation that they are all working, we have eliminated defects due to ESD. I used to get loads of returns that could only be explained as latent ESD damage. I haven't had a root cause that pointed to ESD in over three years.

Icy,

Thanks much for the resources. Proper ESD techniques seems to not be top on the radar, until you lose a $1200.00 board:)

With electronics increasing, this type of training is mandatory, even without the applicable guidelines you posted.

Better get rid of the video with the pipe... lawsuits from third-hand smoke!:lol:

Continuing a discussion from a thread on ESD mats vs. bench size (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=21701&highlight=ESD), Amaterasu posed a PM question on ESD training. I thought I would share the answer:

We use an ancient video from Desco that goes through the basics of what Electro-Static Discharge is, how it is generated, why electronics can be damaged and how to protect against ESD. We keep showing it because it covers all the ground, even though it is really outdated. There is actually a guy smoking a pipe while he inspects circuit boards. I hand out hard candy to anyone who points out that one or the other no-no in the video (or point them out myself).

All of these basics are included in a newer booklet from Desco, available in English and Spanish. (http://www.desco.com/DescoCatalog/EducationAwarenessAccessories/ESDTraining/).

To meet the training effectiveness and other documentation requirements of ISO 9001 & the training requirements of ANSI/ESD 20.20 we do this.

Schedule training session for new employees
Have them print and sign their name on an attendance sheet
Have everyone take the 25 question, true/false ESD quiz
Show the video, review the highlights in the book.
Have everyone take the quiz again.

Everyone's scores improve so we know that the training is working.

The next year (20.20 requires annual training) for previously trained employees (of course I know who they are because I have training records), we just hit the highlights in the book, asking a random someone a question on each page to make sure that everyone pays attention. We take the quiz again and (on average) everyone's score improves (or is already perfect).

There we go, training effectiveness, records, annual retraining, and actual learning. Combined with ESD mats on every bench, conductive floors, wrist straps and heels straps, and measurement confirmation that they are all working, we have eliminated defects due to ESD. I used to get loads of returns that could only be explained as latent ESD damage. I haven't had a root cause that pointed to ESD in over three years.One comment I have is that s20.20 does not require annual training, only recurrent training. It doesn't specify the frequency of the training, but leaves it up to the organization. It's in 6.1.2 in the standard.

One comment I have is that s20.20 does not require annual training, only recurrent training. It doesn't specify the frequency of the training, but leaves it up to the organization. It's in 6.1.2 in the standard.Our president mandated an annual frequency. We had a history of high warranty returns in the first calendar quarter of every year. The air in Ohio dries out starting about Thanksgiving so, unless you have humidity control, ESD is a special problem until the April showers start. Therefore, we have annual ESD refresher training the first week of November.

Some registrars offer certification to ESD 20.20. While the standard does not require annual retraining, I know from experience that the auditors are looking for an annual frequency so be ready to defend your decision if your interval is longer.

Hello, Everybody! :)


Al:

You're right about that but it's a regular practice that many electronic companies use.

Icy Mountain training drill is the same scheme I use for our ESD program. The only exception is that I don't give our employees the hard time of a previous test. My course is based on the premise that ESD knowledge is zero.

I PMed him because his company deal with ESD sensitive components and also, he seems to be the more active Cove member for ESD and TL-9000 topics.

We use a ESD training video from the '80s courtesy of HP. Have anyone seen this video? It's very amusing and educational. From my point of view, it explains all about ESD and demonstrates the catastophic damages to a ESD sensitive component when a person is not grounded and with just sitting and standing up from a chair, can cause a great trace damage.

If someone is interested in getting the most recent standard ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007, you can download a copy from http://www.esda.org/

It's free!!!

We state "every 2 years or more frequently as needed". If someone is found not following proper procedure, they go for retraining. We started using an interactive computer video recently. You have to answer questions as you view it and then there is a final test at the end.

Al, that's an interesting approach that I might try. Follow the ESD procedures or we will make you watch the video and take the test again. Post a link to the interactive computer training if you don't mind. I've been thinking about buying the one shown on the Desco link.
Amaterasu:
I did the test-before-test-after thing as a trial. I've been to a lot of AIAG and automotive "quality institute" training lately. It seems to be their standard practice to do this in order to prove training effectiveness. I thought that I would try and keep ahead of a sanctioned interpretation. BTW, don't trust my TL9000 specific knowledge, it all comes from casual contact, I've always managed to avoid jumping through that hoop. I jump through the ESD, ISO9001 and TS16949 hoops daily.

Al, that's an interesting approach that I might try. Follow the ESD procedures or we will make you watch the video and take the test again. Post a link to the interactive computer training if you don't mind. I've been thinking about buying the one shown on the Desco link.
Amaterasu:
I did the test-before-test-after thing as a trial. I've been to a lot of AIAG and automotive "quality institute" training lately. It seems to be their standard practice to do this in order to prove training effectiveness. I thought that I would try and keep ahead of a sanctioned interpretation. BTW, don't trust my TL9000 specific knowledge, it all comes from casual contact, I've always managed to avoid jumping through that hoop. I jump through the ESD, ISO9001 and TS16949 hoops daily.
You can find the training video at http://www.cbtcorp.com/esd.htm. BTW, I have version 4.1 and they are at 5.0 now.