[TowerTalk] can we please stop

[Jim Lux]

At 12:08 PM 6/29/2007, Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal) wrote:
>It may "sound" like a dumb question, but it might have been a valid 
>one, so-to-speak.  He might have worked in a process environment 
>where he was trained to only connect things as marked.  He might not 
>know why they were marked, but just followed directions.  Perhaps 
>different connectors were used on each end for some reason or 
>another (cost or maybe weatherproofing?).  Just speculating.
>
>I've heard that certain certifications (such as ISO) require that 
>resistors and even wire be handled with proper anti-static precautions.


ISO-9000 wouldn't require this, just that you have a procedure and 
follow it (the procedure could say handle ESD parts in one way, and 
non-ESD another)...

However, the real reason for this is to avoid accidents.  If you 
ALWAYS handle everything the same way (i.e. ESD safe) then you 
develop good habits: put the wrist strap on when you come in in the 
morning, check it, plug in, sit down.  It's like putting on a seatbelt.

There's never any ambiguity (Do I need a strap for this?.. answer is easy: YES)

>  To many, this may sound silly, but in order to maintain the 
> certification, this process must be followed.

And that's what ISO-9000 (and it's ilk) would verify. That you have a 
process and that you follow it.

>So if someone asks for a grounding-strap before picking up some 
>resistors, it may sound silly, but he may be just use to the idea.
Jim, W6RMK