07/2025 – Risk-Based Approach in Standards Implementation
ESD Standards in Transition – A Risk-Based Approach Is Coming!
Times are changing – and so is the perspective on ESD standards. At the latest standards meeting of the IEC TC101 in early July 2025 in Munich, one thing became clear: the classic “one-size-fits-all” strategy is outdated – the focus is shifting to a risk-based approach.
Especially the conversations outside the official meetings in Neubiberg were revealing. One quote summed it up perfectly: “The head is round so that thinking can change direction.”
From Obligation to Responsibility
In the world of standardization, the rule is: anyone who wants to be certified must fully comply with every “shall” requirement in the standard. However, in practice, standard compliance does not always mean optimal protection.
An example: The IEC 61340-5-1 standard only applies to components with a sensitivity of 100 V/HBM or 200 V/CDM and above. But what if your components are more sensitive? Then the standard alone is not sufficient – additional protection is needed. On the flip side, with more robust components, it’s worth asking whether every limit must be followed to the letter. Technically, less would often be enough. This raises the question: At what sensitivity threshold is life without a wrist strap feasible?
Power semiconductors require less protection than SMD components. A risk-based approach is better in such cases.
Life Without a Wrist Strap – Made Possible by a Risk-Based Approach
Individual Adaptation Instead of Rigid Requirements
You can now follow the risk-based approach. The answer is: tailoring – risk-based customization. Of course, all “shall” requirements of the standard must still be met. But the implementation can be flexible – based on the actual risk.
The new IEC 61340-5-6 standard offers, for the first time, a framework for systematic process assessment. This allows you to:
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Identify risks within your organization,
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Document the evaluation process, and
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Adapt the ESD protection level to your actual requirements.
Plan – Do – Check – Act is the guiding principle.
Now’s the Time to Build ESD Expertise
Want to learn how to apply this risk-based approach in practice? Our ESD Coordinator courses will show you how – for example in České Budějovice, Vienna, or Berlin.
Questions? Need an offer? Get in touch!
Your Stat-X Team