If bags, holding STATIC SENSITIVE COMPONENTS, are to be handled OUTSIDE OF AN “EPA”, they should be METALISED SHIELDING BAGS, a FARADAY CAGE!
Metalised Shielding bags can be an effective FARADAY CAGE, subject to the quality of material and physical condition.
DO NOT CREASE the bag, as this can breakdown the integrity of the metalised shield! You should not use any bags damaged with TEARS AND / OR PUNTURES, as these can DESTROY THE FUNCTION OF THE FARADAY CAGE!
Metalised Shielding bags CAN DETERIORATE with use, MONITORING them for effectiveness is VERY IMPORTANT!
Black Conductive bags, holding static sensitive components, should only be handled in an EPA and while the person is grounded in order to ensure that no potential difference occurs. Black Conductive bags allow for a good path to Earth when used with other.
These are the only acceptable “plastic” bags in an EPA!
Antistatic bags offer NO effective protection against a contact ESD!
They should only be used for NON STATIC SENSITIVE components, e.g. nuts, bolts, paper etc.
ORDINARY PLASTIC BAGS can generate and hold static charges in excess of 10,000v! Antistatic bags deteriorate with time and wear, MONITORING them is VERY IMPORTANT.