Electrostatic discharge can damage the sensitive integrated circuits on printed circuit boards by burning out internal connections, causing immediate faults. Proper static protection procedures include wearing an antistatic wrist or heel strap, using antistatic floor and bench mats, avoiding eating or drinking near printed circuit boards, and storing and transporting printed circuit boards in antistatic packaging. Printed circuit boards also need to be handled gently and protected from damage by placing them in antistatic bags and foam-lined boxes during storage or transport.

1. Topic 8: Hazards to printed circuit board
assemblies
ESD can burn out the
sensitive internal connections
of the VLSI integrated
circuits- this creates an
immediate fault.

2. Topic 8: Hazards to printed circuit board
assemblies
Static Protection Procedures:
•always wear an earthed antistatic wrist or heel
strap
•use antistatic floor and bench mats
•do not eat or drink near PCB assemblies
•store and transport PCB assemblies in proper
antistatic and protective packaging
•avoid touching the components or tracks on a
PCB. Handle boards by the edges and do not
touch the edge connectors.