TH-103PF10WK/TK/RK42 Warning2.1. Prevention of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) to Electrostatically Sensi-tive (ES) DevicesSome semiconductor (solid state) devices can be damaged easily by static electricity. Such components commonly are called Elec-trostatically Sensitive (ES) Devices. Examples of typical ES devices are integrated circuits and some field-effect transistors andsemiconductor "chip" components. The following techniques should be used to help reduce the incidence of component damagecaused by electrostatic discharge (ESD).1. Immediately before handling any semiconductor component or semiconductor-equipped assembly, drain off any ESD on yourbody by touching a known earth ground. Alternatively, obtain and wear a commercially available discharging ESD wrist strap,which should be removed for potential shock reasons prior to applying power to the unit under test.2. After removing an electrical assembly equipped with ES devices, place the assembly on a conductive surface such as alumi-num foil, to prevent electrostatic charge buildup or exposure of the assembly.3. Use only a grounded-tip soldering iron to solder or unsolder ES devices.4. Use only an anti-static solder removal device. Some solder removal devices not classified as "anti-static (ESD protected)"can generate electrical charge sufficient to damage ES devices.5. Do not use freon-propelled chemicals. These can generate electrical charges sufficient to damage ES devices.6. Do not remove a replacement ES device from its protective package until immediately before you are ready to install it. (Mostreplacement ES devices are packaged with leads electrically shorted together by conductive foam, aluminum foil or compara-ble conductive material).7. Immediately before removing the protective material from the leads of a replacement ES device, touch the protective materialto the chassis or circuit assembly into which the device will be installed.CautionBe sure no power is applied to the chassis or circuit, and observe all other safety precautions.8. Minimize bodily motions when handling unpackaged replacement ES devices. (Otherwise ham less motion such as the brush-ing together of your clothes fabric or the lifting of your foot from a carpeted floor can generate static electricity (ESD) sufficientto damage an ES device).