MIL-STD-1686 for ESD Compliance help wanted

[s_haduch - 2011]

My company deals with a lot of government contracts and we are currently trying to get an ESD system in place and I wanted to know how far do I need to go based on this Mil-Spec? I am one of few people that have background with ESD and some people I think want to go overboard, just want to make sure we do what we need to do if we get a Government audit on our system. I know how it has run in previous companies but this governement stuff is new to me.

 

[BadgerMan]

Re: Help with MIL-STD-1686 for ESD compliance

Last I knew, that standard was unofficially obsolete. Our system and training is based on ESD-S-20.20 and EIA-625. We have numerous government contracts and no one has ever taken exception to our ESD system/processes.

 

[s_haduch - 2011]

Re: Help with MIL-STD-1686 for ESD compliance

I actually just came across the "unofficial obsolete" articel that said S20.20 replaced it. I know what we need to have and it should be simple but some people that do not understand what ESD means wants to build a new building to store ESD components to keep seperate.

 

[George Weiss]

ESD is implemented many different ways:

1. Looking at a big company like Cisco for example. In the work areas where test equipment is operated, all benches are ESD and the chairs are ESD, and the floor is generally ESD, even carpets are ESD. ESD testers are at most doors for wrist-strap/foot-strap checking. All production and test areas are ESD safe.
2. Another application is where needed only. In a calibration lab the benches where equipment is opened are ESD. There are ESD wrist straps everywhere. ESD wrist straps can be attached to the DUT, and avoid a lot of other methods.
3. I have found everyone running around, but making sure the product being tested is protected.

So:

1. Have a wrist strap tester, and allow for personal testing. Some models have foot-ware testing included in the same device. This does assume an ESD floor, which is just some ESD wax and a ground spike, or tied to a cold water pipe, or better to a grounded electrical conduit.
2. Having an ESD monitor on bench-tops, with ESD mats is relatively easy. These allow for bench wrist straps also.
3. Be sure that anywhere product is handled, especially if opened, that ESD devices are in place.
4. Annual testing of a few items, and daily checks or often of wrist-strap/foot-straps.
5. Make a plan, and make a procedure, and have a check-off of some testing. Calibrate the tester, & monitors.
6. You can live without the monitors, but this adds other issues, and people are scared of the auditor(s).
7. Have something in place. Nothing will invite issues. Something is in the right direction, and likely will get you there.
8. I have seen standards thrown around, and still everyone does it their way and it works.
9. I have seen the most serious attention in manufacturing areas of sensitive, or possibly sensitive parts. carts, boxes, bags, endlessly. All good stuff.
10. I am not sure what is missing or just exterior protection is needed.
11. Box and protect it well, and ground everyone close to it.

Put it in the QM and go with it…………………………..
MIL STD 1686 link: http://www.dscc.dla.mil/downloads/packaging/MS1686_C.pdf