When the standard mentions product qualification, it says: “…qualification records shall include the test method used, the test results …, and the test limits. Also, …data shall include the environmental conditioning used… (This last one basically enforced based on table 2,3,4 for those that leave our facilities and for the method that requires it of course)”.
So based on this, I have 2 questions:
Is it enough if my supplier only gives me the product qualification (E.g. wrist strap) mentioning the test method? (sometimes we have the test limits and 1 result, not the test results, for others we have only the test method mentioned).
For environmental condition for packaging, one auditor once told me that the product qualification for packaging should be one of this two ways:
a. Mention only the test method (11.11, 11.12, 11.13… or 11.31). OR
b. Mention both RH levels (12% and 50%) or not mention any RH level (being this option a) - This was because one of our packaging qual mentioned only the 12% level and not the 50%.
What would your point of view for this?
I would refer you to the standard test method (STM) sections on reporting. Each STM has specific reporting requirements that the OEM of the product you are purchasing are required to report. Each test method also has a minimum number of samples that need to be tested.
all of the requirements of the Product Qualification section of 20.20 should be included in the report provided to you by the manufacturer. If not then you should go back to them and request a compliant report.
This was a change from the 2014 version of ANSI/ESD S20.20 to the 2021 version. The 2014 version allowed the supplier to just state the standard test method that was used. The 2021 version now requires the test report with the minimum reporting requirements in the standard test method. The standard test mehods are going thoiugh updates to make the uniform.
However, if the qualificaiton was done to the 2014 version of the standard, then the ESD control item does not need to be requalifed and the previous reports are fine. Once the 2021 version of ANSI/ESD S20.20 is adopted, any new ESD control items need to have the test report.
Just to add on… I have had several instances with suppliers that believed they were S20.20 compliant when in reality they were not. Most will at least make a solid effort to meet the requirements, but it is really up to you the user to insure that ALL requirements are met.
In some instances, after pointing out the missing requirements. The supplier was happy to either provide the data and or complete the testing to become compliant. However there are some that would not complete the needed work. Some, we took the effort/cost upon ourselves to complete the required testing. While others, we chose to work with other suppliers.
Hope this helps provide one more users experience.
Hello, Greetings of the day from India- to all
Already the ESDA experts have given enough information but I just wish to pen few lines.
Unlike the earlier simple data sheet from the supplier or a two-line report /certificate mentioning the specification of the products per the standards, now per revised ANSI /ESD S 20.20. 2021 & IEC 61340-5-1-2024 before an ESD control item is put into use in an EPA it is MANDATORY to have a detailed Product Qualification Test report / Certificate (with full details of Time-Location – Environmental conditions – No of samples / location tested- Recommended Instruments used with their make /model /calibration details- Details of the Person who conducted test etc )
It can be from any one of the following three;
(a) Supplier (b) Third party (c) by User themselves
However, it SHALL be a detailed report / certificate. But, unfortunately neither any supplier (I am referring to my PQ-CV Audit test experience in India) is offering nor any of the users themselves making it on their own a detailed report either at the controlled conditions or at the lowest Rh% at the installed facility. This is due to inadequate knowledge about the standards / relevant test methods with the suppliers as well as with many users. But still, it is wonder to notice that quite a few select industries have been able to get the Facility certification certificates despite lot many ESD control violations in their EPAs. (my practical experience as a third-party PQ-CV test auditor)
As the ESDA experts have mentioned already every product has a prescribed standard (S) / standard test method (STM) revised regularly by the ESDA’s Standards working group. Not all item to undergo the pre-test environmental conditioning.
As the ESDA experts have mentioned already any or every product that is procured after the implementation of ANSI /ESD S 20.20 2021 or IEC 61340-5-1-2024 SHALL have to document a detailed PQ test report /certificate prior to its use in an EPA. But any or every product that have been already tested for PQ or CV with reference to the previous version/s of above standards need not to undergo Repeat PQ test and also any or every products that are preexisting prior to implementation of either of the above two standards can be PQ-CV tested at lowest Rh% at the facility and from subsequent years this record may be treated as PQ report for future CV test audit and facility certification audits subject to the conditions that the items / systems tested shall remain /continue to be in use in the same location.
Overall, I emphasise on more customer Awareness need on PQ requirements as more than 80-90% users (my reference is totally w.r.t my PQ-CV test audit experience in India) still blindly relaying on the data sheets or just a two-line report and lowest bidder irrespective of real awareness on ESD impacts. Many still do not know the basic difference between the PQ & CV test but just ask that the material they ask should comply with the respective standards and in many cases refer to obsolete standards too (especially the Govt departments)
Look forward to your views
Good day
Thank you all