Balloons can have a large static field which may slowly(up to several days)
bleed off.  They should not be within one foot of a static sensitive part.
They are non-essential so should not be in the ESD protective workstation
area at all.  You can neutralize the charged field around the balloon with
the use of an ionizer, but normal handling can create an electric field on
the balloon while you are mounting it.
If the balloons move when mounted,the movement itself could generate a
static field around the balloon.  You have the same problem with other
decorations.  They do not belong at the ESD protective work area.
Decorations should be mounted as far as possible from the work area to
prevent any accidential contact with ESD sensitive items.
I recommend that you obtain a copy of ANSI/ESD Association Standard
S20.20-1999 and use it as a guide.
What is the sensitivity of your components?
You must assess the ESD hazard created by electrostatic fields on the
decorations at the workplace to insure that you have taken appropriate
precautions commensurate with the risk to the product.

Al Cash
President
Midwest Chapter ESD Association
phone: 847-259-9600
-----Original Message-----
From: Matthew Lamkin
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 1999 10:22 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Christmas decorations?


Now I don't want to be a party pooper, but as its almost Christmas the
decorations are going to be
going up. And as we are always trying to improve our anti-static
precautions it prompts me to ask.

What sort of static field do balloons and other decorations have ?

I know that they can create quite a voltage when rubbed on a jumper, but
what about when cellotaped to
a wall (and in a slight breeze) ?

How far away from static sensitive devices should they be kept?
Do they generate a field around them & how far can it extend?

Do red balloons have a higher static charge than blue ones? (only
kidding!!).

What do you reckon eh?

TIA - Matt.

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