Hazards of static electricity in the electronic device assembly industry

Static electricity is a phenomenon that can cause discharges when a body that is excessively charged transfers its excess electrons to another body. What effects does it have on people? An uncomfortable spark which, although it is not usually serious, is certainly unpleasant. 

However, in certain professions the risks generated by its action increase significantly. This is the case for workers in the electronic device assembly industry. Several Spanish laws set out the obligations that companies must fulfil to prevent these incidents from occurring:

• Royal Decree 614/2001, which sets out the minimum provisions for the protection and health of workers against electrical risk. 
• Royal Decree 400/1996, focused on implementing the provisions necessary for applying the Community Directives on protective devices and systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
• Royal Decree 681/2003, which applies to the protection of workers exposed to risks arising from explosive atmospheres in work environments. 

Static electricity: main hazards in the electronic device assembly industry 

The Technical Guide for the Assessment and Prevention of Electrical Risk, prepared by the Ministry of Labour and updated in 2020, sets out the main hazards of static electricity in industry and other sectors, as well as the main measures for reducing them. If we focus on professionals involved in assembling electronic devices, we can highlight the following:

1. Loss of concentration and reduced performance

Sparks caused by static electricity create discomfort for workers when they occur frequently. In jobs that require a high level of concentration, such as electronic device assembly, they cause the professional's attention to decrease, affecting their performance and personal wellbeing.  

2. Falls

In environments where work is carried out at height, a worker's reaction to the unexpected experience of receiving an electrostatic discharge can trigger a fall to a lower level and cause accidents that entail significant costs for the employer.

3. Reduced productivity and financial losses

Static energy discharges can affect the electronic device during its assembly process, causing malfunctions or irreversible damage, especially to its integrated circuits. In these cases, the financial consequences linked to reduced productivity are significant, whether due to unplanned production stoppages or the poor quality of the final product. 

4. Burns and eye damage

A spark caused by static electricity, if it reaches the eyes of the worker handling the device,  causes irritation and discomfort. In addition, if it comes into contact with their skin, it can cause minor burns.  

How to reduce the hazards of static electricity in the electrical device assembly industry

All these risks can be minimised significantly, provided that the company takes the appropriate preventive measures and the professional follows a series of good practices. Let us look at the main actions for reducing these hazards.

Use of suitable materials and PPE

A professional working in electrical device assembly must have items capable of dissipating static electricity and protective equipment designed for this purpose. In addition to working in an environment with anti-static mats, chairs or tables, it is advisable to have ESD shoes, made from materials that allow electricity to flow in a controlled manner through the footwear to the ground and whose properties protect products and people against discharges.  

Control of ambient humidity

Royal Decree 486/1997 on minimum health and safety measures in workplaces states that relative air humidity in enclosed workplaces where static electricity risks exist must be above 50%. These conditions allow a conductive moisture film to form on objects and enable electrical charges to drain. 

Regular inspection of materials and equipment

It is important to maintain a regular inspection of work areas, equipment and tools to assess potential sources of static electricity and replace any instrument that is not functioning properly. 

Good-practice training for workers

Reducing the hazards of static electricity for professionals also requires them to understand best practices. Specific training helps raise awareness of risks and shows how to use the tools and PPE that help reduce them.  

Taking appropriate preventive measures reduces the risk of discomfort and accidents linked to static electricity, and helps maintain your workers' satisfaction and productivity. At Shoes For Crews, we offer an extensive footwear catalogue adapted to the needs of professionals in your industry. Contact us, and we will provide all the information you may need.