EIA-625 is the Industry specification that is widely followed in the
semi-conductor industry for handling of ESD sensitive devices.  It calls out
in par. 11.2 in a NOTE "The recommended minimum humidity is 40% R.H.  The
old MIL-Specs called out a minimum of 30% R.H.  Less than 5% R.H. will
promote a lot of health problems with employees.
I have never seen it recommended in any good ESD program.

Al Cash
> ----------
> From:         Richard Haynes[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     TechNet E-Mail Forum.;Richard Haynes
> Sent:         Friday, March 05, 1999 5:25 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: [TN] ESD questions
>
> Ken,
> Most people talk in terms of %RH less than 5% is a no no. Water decreases
> the ESD event. Of course this has some exceptions. So there should be
> engeering decision concerning oxidation of metals present and hydration of
> the PCB. There is quite a technology for reducing the possibility of a ESD
> event, such as methods for grounding static people and ionizers. In sept
> there will be a National technical meeting of the EOS/ESD Society with an
> associated Trade Show.
>
> Richard Haynes
> 609-497-4584
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ken Nevius <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Friday, March 05, 1999 3:40 PM
> Subject: [TN] ESD questions
>
>
> >    How do you determine the ideal level of humidity for your board room?
> >
> >    If post-it notes, tape, paper and so on are forbidden what are some
> ESD
> >    safe items that can travel with the boards through the process?
> >
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