What is ESD?
ESD is the transfer of electrical charge between two bodies at different potentials,
either through direct contact or through an induced electrical field.
It is the phenomenon that gives you a mild shock when you walk across a carpeted floor and then touch a doorknob.
While this discharge gives a harmless shock to humans, it is lethal to sensitive electronics.
For example, the simple act of walking across a vinyl floor can generate up to 12,000 V of static electricity.
That is many times the charge needed to ruin a standard Shottky TTL component.
What is PPE?
PPE is defined in the Regulations as ‘all equipment (including clothing
affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or
held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to
his health or safety’, eg safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility
clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.
Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most
work situations are not covered by these Regulations because other
regulations apply to them. However, these items need to be compatible with
any other PPE provided.
Cycle helmets or crash helmets worn by employees on the roads are not
covered by the Regulations. Motorcycle helmets are legally required for
motorcyclists under road traffic legislation.
