Proper Handling Techniques:
Proper handling of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is crucial to avoid damage. The electronic components of the board should never be touched or handled directly. When handling any board, please avoid picking it up by the large inductor, the capacitors or any other component. Additionally, it is recommended to always use two hands when handling these boards as some are delicate and/or heavy and unbalanced.
Prevention:
Electrostatic prevention methods utilize a combination of control products, electrostatic discharge prevention, and approved methods like ESD grounding. To avoid the effect of ESD we need to decrease the potential difference between our body and the ground.
The following products are examples of what to use to prevent ESD:
What you should do:
Do not touch the PCB or its components when trying to (dis)connect Connectors.
Do not touch the electronic components on the PCB directly when carrying PCBs.
Hold the PCB at its corners with two hands and wear ESD gloves.
Additionally, the anti-static bag can be used as an improvised glove to provide further protection to the board.
Do not store the PCBs on non-ESD protected surface.
Do not place the PCBs on each other.
PCBs always should be stored in closed ESD protecting bag (In open state the bag will only provide about 70% protection).