• Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static packingmaterial until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you discharge staticelectricity from your body.• Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.ESD field service kitThe unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components: anti-staticmat, anti-static wrist strap, and bonding wire.Components of an ESD field service kitThe components of an ESD field service kit are:• Anti-static mat—The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an anti-staticmat, your anti-static wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal on thesystem being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly on the mat.ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.• Anti-static wrist strap and bonding wire—The anti-static wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between yourwrist and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that istemporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the anti-staticwrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD mat,and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with an anti-static wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never usewireless anti-static wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a anti-static wrist strap are prone to damage from normalwear and tear, and must be checked regularly with a anti-static wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. Itis recommended to test the anti-static wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.• ESD wrist strap tester—The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored kit, it is a bestpractice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist strap tester is the bestmethod for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional office to find out if they have one.To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is strapped to your wrist and push the button to test. Agreen LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm sounds if the test fails.• Insulator Elements —It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts that areinsulators and often highly charged.• Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For example,deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are typically installed in a rackwithin a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always look for a large open flat work areathat is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to accommodate the type of system that is beingrepaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoamand other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling anyhardware components• ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded bags arepreferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the new part arrived in.The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be used in the original box that thenew part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an ESD-protected work surface, and parts shouldnever be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat,in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.• Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to bereturned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.ESD protection summaryIt is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding anti-static wrist strap and protective anti-staticmat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all insulator partswhile performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.8 Working on your thin client