How to set up an EPA workstation?

What an EPA workstation is and why you need it

EPA (Electrostatic Protected Area) is a workstation designed to protect electrostatic-sensitive devices (ESDS) from damage by electrostatic discharge. The standard ČSN EN 61340-5-1 sets out precise requirements for equipment, measurement and operation of the EPA zone. Electrostatic damage is insidious — the component looks intact but fails later at the customer.

This guide takes you step by step through the whole process — from the first planning to verifying that the workstation works.

Step 1: Map the risks and define the boundaries of the EPA zone

Before buying any equipment, first work out where and how you handle ESDS components:

Seated operator at a bench — the basis is a wrist strap with a cord connected to a common grounding point.
Moving operator — you need a combination of ESD shoes or heel grounders + an ESD floor; heel grounders alone without an ESD floor are not enough.
Assembly or repair in several places — consider portable work mats + grounding cords.

Step 2: Grounding the operators

Anyone who touches ESDS components must be grounded. The method depends on whether they sit or move.

Seated operator — wrist strap

Wrist strap — worn on the wrist and must fit snugly against the skin.
Grounding cord — connects the strap to the common grounding point; standard length 1.8–2.4 m.
Grounding box — plugs into the 230 V mains with connectors for the strap and the mat cord; ties the whole workstation to one potential.
Daily testing — test the strap and cord with a tester before the shift; the standard requires this as part of the CVP (Compliance Verification Plan).

Moving operator — shoes or heel grounders

ESD shoes — certified antistatic shoes, more comfortable for a whole shift.
ESD heel grounders — fitted over ordinary shoes; both feet at once, otherwise the grounding does not work.
Shoes and heel grounders do not work without an ESD floor — the resistance of the whole system must be measurable.

Step 3: Work surface and mat

Every surface on which you place ESDS components must be antistatic and grounded. The resistance to ground must be below 10⁹ Ω. More under how to choose an ESD mat and work mats.

Step 4: ESD floor

The ESD floor is the basis for moving operators. After installation, measure the resistance with a surface-resistance meter — the value must be in the range 10⁵–10⁹ Ω. More under how to choose an ESD floor and ESD floors.

Step 5: Ioniser for items that cannot be grounded

Every EPA zone contains insulators that cannot be grounded — plastic packaging, glasses, documents, displays. An ioniser is the only way to neutralise the charge on these surfaces.

Bench ioniser — placed directly on the workbench, covering an area of about 30–60 cm.
Overhead ioniser — covers a larger area, suitable for assembly lines.
Function check — test the ioniser regularly with a field meter (EFM); the offset must be below ±35 V per the standard.

Step 6: ESD clothing

An ESD coat or coverall covers the operator’s normal clothing and prevents triboelectric charging on the torso and arms. The clothing alone does not replace grounding — the operator still needs a wrist strap or ESD shoes.

The coat should cover the whole torso and arms down to the wrists.
The fastening must be closed — an open coat does not work.

Step 7: Measurement and verification (CVP)

The standard requires regular checks as part of the Compliance Verification Plan.

What to measure and how often

Strap and cord — daily before the shift.
Work surfaces, mats and floor — at regular intervals per the internal plan.
Ioniser — offset and discharge time regularly.

Measuring instruments you need

A combo tester or wrist-strap tester for daily verification.
A surface-resistance meter.
A field meter (EFM) to check the ioniser.

More under how ESD testers work and measuring instruments.

Marking the EPA zone

Visible marking of the EPA boundaries is mandatory. It informs operators and visitors.

Entrance sign — a notice at the entrance to the EPA zone with the requirements (strap, shoes).
Floor tape — yellow dissipative tape marks the boundary of the EPA zone on the floor.
Warning labels — on packaging, shelves and workstations with ESDS components.

Minimum equipment of an EPA workstation per ČSN EN 61340-5-1

An overview of the most important equipment for a typical seated workstation:

Wrist strap + grounding cord + grounding box
Work mat + grounding cord to the mat
Combo tester for daily verification of the strap
Ioniser for non-groundable insulators on the bench
ESD clothing (coat or coverall)
Shielding bags for transporting components outside the EPA
Entrance sign + floor tape

For moving operators, additionally: ESD shoes or heel grounders + an ESD floor.

Need advice?

We are glad to help you design an EPA workstation exactly for your needs. Write to us or browse the complete range for EPA workstations.

Frequently asked questions

What is an EPA workstation and what should it contain? EPA (Electrostatic Protected Area) is an area with controlled protection against static electricity. A complete workstation consists of an ESD workbench, ESD chair, operator grounding, ESD floor, measuring instruments and antistatic storage and packaging systems.

Which standard governs ESD protection? Most often the ČSN EN 61340-5-1, which sets the requirements for protecting electronic components from electrostatic phenomena and for a functioning protection system.

Workbenches and furniture

What is an ESD workbench? A specially designed workstation with a conductive or dissipative work surface that safely drains electrostatic charge to ground and protects sensitive components.

How to choose the right ESD workbench? Important factors are the size of the work surface, load capacity, the option to add accessories, ergonomics and compatibility with the other ESD protection elements. More in ESD workbenches and furniture.

Floors

What is the difference between a conductive and a dissipative floor? A conductive floor has a lower resistance and drains charge faster, a dissipative floor drains it more slowly and in a more controlled way. The choice depends on the requirements of the workstation.

How to choose an ESD floor? By resistance, load capacity and environment — more under how to choose an ESD floor.

Operator grounding

When to use an ESD wrist strap and when a heel grounder? The wrist strap is ideal for seated work at a bench; heel grounders suit operators who move around the facility and use an ESD floor.

Can ESD wrist straps give the user an electric shock? No. Wrist straps contain a 1 MΩ safety resistor that protects the wearer and at the same time allows safe draining of the charge.

Measurement and inspection

Why and how often should you carry out ESD measurements? Regular measurement confirms that the protective elements work. The frequency depends on internal rules, customer requirements and the quality management system. Suitable instruments are in measuring instruments and testers.

What can ESD testers measure? The resistance of work surfaces, floors, wrist straps, shoes and grounding, as well as the electrostatic charge itself.

Storage and packaging

What is the difference between an antistatic and a shielding bag? An antistatic bag limits the build-up of static electricity, a shielding bag additionally protects the contents from external electrostatic fields. The range is in shielding and antistatic bags.