Questions And Answers

Best practice is to use dissipative paper tags that are in close or intimate contact with ESD sensitive items. If using regular insulative paper, an alternative is to use Dissipative Document Holders.

“All nonessential insulators, such as those made of plastics and paper must be removed from the workstation.” [ANSI/ESD S20.20 section 6.2.3.1. Protected Areas Requirement] “It should be understood that any object, item, material or person could be a source of static electricity in the work environment. Removal of unnecessary nonconductors, replacing nonconductive materials with dissipative or conductive materials and grounding all conductors are the principle methods of controlling static electricity in the workplace, regardless of the activity.” [ESD Handbook TR 20.20 paragraph 2.4]

Paper is hygroscopic (readily absorbs moisture) and as the relative humidity rises, the resistance may measure in the dissipative range with charges able to be removed when grounded. Measurements should be made in the worst case condition which is the low relative humidity condition. Paper resistance can be measured with a Surface Resistance Test Kit or to measure charges that can be generated when the paper is handled (contact and separation) a Static Field Meter can be used.