S20.20 references that static generating material must be kept at least 12" from sensitive working items. Taking this information would I be able to use a grounded workbench and mark a box on the benchtop as the “EPA working area” but then allow static generating materials around the bench as long as they are outside of the working area? I’m thinking in terms of a multipurpose workbench that is not normally used with sensitive materials. The bench would have a computer and office supplies which would normally not be allowed in a normal EPA, but when necessary the operator would have the sensitive materials only in the “EPA working area” and would also be grounded. This would not be a regular production scenario where we plan to have a more controlled EPA but due to limited space it isn’t possible to make a specialized station which would normally sit unused the majority of the time. I understand this would require training for the user to understand the requirements to be in compliance with the use of the station.
Josh,
Yes, I think your approach is good. Some things to think about are:
-If non-ESD work is being done without any ESDS items on the workbench you should be fine to do the work anywhere, even the EPA working area as long as you have a good 5S program such that operators remember to put everything away when they are done and before any work is done on ESDS items
-You could measure the electric fields around the perimeter of your EPA working area box to ensure your insulators don’t produce any charges greater than the 125 volts/inch requirement or you could just try to keep all insulators greater than 12" from the box
Josh,
I agree with Andy above. Section 8.3.1 of S20.20 on insulators states “Areas can be designated within the EPA to store static generating items provided the areas do not cause any of the requirements below to be exceeded” This means that if you are going to allow static producing materials in the area, then there needs to be a plan to control those items and minimize the potential charges that may ensue.
Good practice is to try and eliminate as many static producing items as possible. Additionally, if you select to do as you propose, make sure you revise your training (and your ESD Control plan) to reflect exactly how the station is going to be set up and the specific requirements for the use of insulators and their storage.
There’s nothing in the standard that says an entire workbench has to be dedicated as an EPA, provided the designated working area remains compliant whenever ESDS items are being handled. For occasional repair or inspection work, defining an EPA zone on a larger multi-purpose bench can be a perfectly practical solution.
A few additional considerations that might help:
- Make the EPA area clearly identifiable (markings on the mat or bench work well).
- Ensure any unnecessary insulators (packaging, paperwork, plastic organisers, etc.) are removed from the immediate working area before ESDS items are introduced.
- Verify that the common point ground remains easily accessible and that the operator follows the grounding procedure each time the station is used.
- As already mentioned, update your ESD Control Plan and operator training so everyone understands when the bench changes from a general-purpose workstation to an active EPA.
I’ve also seen guidance from ESD specialists, including Bondline, that takes a similar practical approach: if a workstation serves multiple purposes, the important part is ensuring the designated EPA is fully compliant when it’s in use , rather than trying to make every square inch of the bench permanently ESD-controlled.
As long as your procedures are clear and consistently followed, it sounds like a sensible use of the available space.
Greetings of the day from India to all the members on this ESD forum platform. 
True Mr. Edward. 
!. An ESD caution plate on the fascia of the EPA /Workstation is the fundamental mandatory step per ANSI ESD S8.1 for the purpose of ESD Awareness.
2.Including the operator each and every dissipativ or conductive ground able items need to be grounded to the common point put ground per ANSI ESD S6.1 grounding procedure.
3.Ensure the work surface is compliant per ANSI ESD STM4.1.
4.Ensure that the operator is grounded through the wrist strap ( first line of defense in and ESD Control Program) and the wrist strap is compliant per ANSI ESD S.1.1
5.As you have mentioned clearly, ensure to keep away unnecessary insulators ( Insulative packaging items, plastic organizers, etc. which are not PEIs per ANSI ESD S 20 20 2021 ) from the work area before ESSDs are being handled .
But , as it is a common practice that knowingly or unknowingly there shall be some unwanted insulators used at times or even the PVC sheathed dangling cables of the TMIs handled on the work area could be generating the static voltage above the desired level referred above by our ESDA expert Andy Sir. Thus, it is advisable to use an Ionizer at the work area to ensure that the total area is kept ionized to protect the ESSDs handled from those possible insulators in addition to the grounding taken care of for the ground able objects .
6. Yes last but not the least, you have rightly said that update your ESD Control Plan and operator training regularly so that everyone understands and aware of whenever there is any change in an active EPA and, as long as your procedures are clear and consistently followed and Compliance is maintained physically but just not on documentation for the purpose of ESD facility Certification Stamp , it sounds like a sensible use of the available space as an EPA .
In all my communications I am always emphasizing on physical compliance, because in India I have been repeatedly observing negligence and ignorance on this aspect in as many as S 20 20 Facility certified units.
Thank you