We have ionizers in our program plan applicable for rework stations, we are going to use some of them in stations that doesn’t require ionizer based on our trigger (they are only used just for personal use). Is it an issue using them and placing a sticker saying “For personal use” acknowledging it’s out of the scope? (We know the main use is for ionize the air, but we want to reduce any risk by using them, since they are small), is that violating the ESD Program? or does it have to be tailored as well in the program?
I am not quite sure what you mean by Personal use. I personnaly would not tag them personal use as it could open up too many questions.
Either you have a static problem you are trying to solve, or you don’t. If you go ahead and allow personnel to use the ionizers, you need to still make sure they are on a compliance verification schedule and test them on a regular basis (documented) to ensure they are working correctly and are within limits listed in S20.20 Table 3
Basically, the location (since is receiving inspection, it gets too warm in summer), so they use it as a personal fan. They avoid using regular fans since a regular fan creates an opposite effect of an ionizer (we measure regular fans and they were prohibited for that area in particular since the readings with personal fans was creating more static).
That’s the main reason, how should I treat this case?
Given the scenario you just presented it does not appear that the ionizer use would fall under the purview of an ESD control item. S20.20 does not specifically address the use of ionization in the manner you described, so I personally do no believe you have to have it documented in your control program.
That being said, I do think that you should have some documented routine measurements that the ionizer is still in balance and meets the 35 volt +/- requirement to ensure you are not introducing potential charges and to help you defend the reason you are using it in this manner to outside auditors or customers
I would also recommend that may you document the reason you are using the ionizer in this manner as a memorandum for record and keep it on file. Be cautious however, because once you start in one location, others may want to follow suit and it could get out of control.
Marking it somehow to indicate that the ionizer is not to be used for electronic applications.
Do you have a facilities group or someone or someway to check your environmental controls and adjust the room temperatures or install additional ceiling or room fans?
this is definitely a first for me - it is an expensive personal cooling device for sure.
I would welcome others comments. remember, this is just my opinion and not that of the ESDA.
Just to add on to what Matt is saying. Are these “personal use” ionizers used in an EPA where ESD sensitive items are being handled outside of ESD shielded packaging? If not, then you are fine. If so, you should want to check the ionizers since some ionizers could go bad and have an offset voltage that could charge your ESD sensitive items, making the situation worse.
Yes, It’s a situation where we use them with the air directed to the person and not the product within the EPA (And just to double prevent any static from the residual air that might Not go to the user, we use ionizers). The user knows that every often they just clean them… And we might check them with less frequency just to check everything’s in order.
This could be added in the ESD program and we want to have this labels on them to clarify the use of them… (e.g. label saying: “Ionizer is not to be used for electronic applications”).
I suggest the label says something like “Ionizer not to be used on ESD sensitive items”. I would also suggest testing these periodically for offset voltage although it could be done less frequently than your regular ionizers. The concern is if someone decides to use the ionizer on ESDS items, it may not be effective and perhaps make the situation worse if the offset voltage is outside limits.
Hi SantiagoE…
just a suggestion, if this ionizer is not to protect ESDS parts make sure not to document it in your quality plan as part of the ESD Controls.