An ESD control for a manufacturing facility

The author describes the electrostatic hazards present during manufacturing, transportation, and installation of a missile on a launcher. He also describes procedures that should be followed to protect the missile and personnel during these operations. Electrostatic hazards are known to exist at manufacturing facilities during the assembly and test of electrostatic parts as well as during shipment and subsequent receipt and handling at contractor facilities. The life of a missile can be reduced to about four years or less due to latent failure caused by electrostatic discharges (ESDs). It is concluded that ESD-sensitive parts, assemblies, equipment, and vehicles need to be adequately protected from damage due to ESD. Parts, assemblies and equipment must remain in ESD-protective packages when they are not within the protective area of a workstation. These parts should be handled only by ESD-trained personnel at the workstation. An ESD control procedure should be prepared and implemented in a manufacturing facility.<>