Unpacking and handling printed circuit boards and electronic modules
Circuit boards and electronic modules are delicate items. They may work year after year in an advanced product, but then fail due to a small spark of static electricity. For this reason, it is very important that they are properly unpacked and handled, and then well protected during all handling.
Prerequisites
For correct and safe handling of printed circuit boards and electronic modules, you need a suitable working area. The working area must be covered by an approved conductive service mat that has a resistance of between 50 kΩ and 2 MΩ, and is connected directly to a reliable earth point via its earthing cord. You - and all other service personnel involved - must wear a wristband in direct contact with the skin. The wristband must be electrically connected to the service mat..
Sensitive printed circuit boards and electronic modules must always be transported and stored in protective antistatic packing bags. It as also important that they are not transported or stored close to strong electrostatic, electromagnetic or radioactive fields.
Context
Beware of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)!
When you handle electronic circuit boards and modules, you must beware of the dangers of electrostatic discharge (ESD), both to yourself and to the equipment. In order to ensure safe transport and storage, circuit boards and other electronic units will always be wrapped in a clear plastic protective bag, and the bag will be sealed.
Note
Failure to follow these rules may result in an unserviceable circuit board or module.
Procedure
1 Prepare a suitable workbench with a conductive service mat.
Make sure that you wear a grounded wristband with direct contact with the skin.
When you are working on board a vessel, an "approved conductive service mat" is often far away. As you still need to unpack circuit boards and modules, make sure that you do it in the instrument room, or in another location with a steel deck. Keep far away from the bridge or any other rooms with wall-to-wall carpets! Whenever possible, always bring a wristband and ground yourself.
2 Lift the circuit board or module, in its protective antistatic packing bag, out of the transport box.
3 Place it in a stable position on the workbench.
4 Inspect the unit for damage.
a If a unit has been damaged, prepare an inspection report stating the condition of the unit and actions taken.
b Describe the damage, and collect photographic evidence if possible. Return the inspection report to Kongsberg Maritime as soon as possible.
5 Assuming all is well, open the bag and remove the unit.
Note
Do not break the seal to open a printed circuit board, an electronic module or a unit before it shall be used. If the unit is returned with a broken seal we will assume that it has been used. You will then be billed accordingly.
6 Take out and keep the documentation.
You will need the documentation if the item shall be returned to us.
7 Remove any packing and desiccant material that may be found inside the shipping container or bag.
8 Keep the protective antistatic packing bag for future use.