RS Components has gained re-certification to the electrostatic discharge (ESD) management standard ANSI/ESD S20.20 for the third consecutive year.

RS Components gains ESD programme certification for third consecutive year RS Components UK, the distributor of electronic, electrical, electromechanical and industrial components, has gained re-certification to the electrostatic discharge (ESD) management standard ANSI/ESD S20.20 for the third consecutive year. RS is currently the only distributor in Europe certified to ANSI/ESD S20.20 - an achievement recognised by BSI Management Systems, the accredited body appointed to undertake certification on behalf of the Electrostatic Discharge Association of America. As electronic devices have become faster and smaller their sensitivity to ESD has increased to the point where it impacts productivity and product reliability in virtually every aspect of today's electronics environment.

ESD damage costs the electronics industry many millions of pounds a year and as a result effective control measures must be taken during all stages of manufacture, supply and assembly.

RS is committed to raising awareness of ESD issues throughout the supply chain process and providing its customers with the highest possible levels of product quality.

ANSI/ESD S20.20 covers the requirements necessary to design, establish, implement and maintain an ESD control programme for activities that manufacture, process, assemble, install, package, label, service, test, inspect or otherwise handle electrical or electronic parts, assemblies and equipment susceptible to damage by ESD greater than or equal to 100V Human Body Model.

The programme of ESD control at RS includes the following: establishing the ESD threshold sensitivity of products to maintain adequate protection for the increasingly susceptible devices that are processed by RS; understanding suppliers' capabilities in terms of awareness throughout the supply process and establishing that they provide adequate protection for ESD sensitive devices throughout manufacturing, storage and despatch; providing certified ESD Protected Areas (EPAs) including dissipative flooring and work surfaces, personnel and equipment grounding, local ionisation, humidity control, ESD control footwear and garments, and eliminating static generating materials and processes; providing specialised training for staff covering ESD terminology and awareness, ESD protection of susceptible devices and EPA processes and procedures; and specialised packaging: products are packed in high-quality metallised film shielding bags that effectively protect devices from externally generated charge and prevent the build-up of charge caused by movement of devices inside the packaging.

Martyn Green, ESD Co-ordinator commented: 'RS is extremely proud to achieve re-certification to the ANSI/ESD S20.20 standard once again'.

'Suppliers to the Electronics market have a clear obligation to ensure that robust ESD processes and procedures are in place to prevent the risk of damage to sensitive electronic components'.

'Being the only distributor in Europe registered to this standard shows our commitment to listening to our customers and satisfying their needs to the highest possible level'.