One Minute a Day: Testing Wrist Straps Properly
Making the test part of the shift
Testing takes seconds: plug the strap into the tester, press the plate, and confirm the reading lands in the pass band, typically between about 750 kilo-ohms and 10 megohms for the standard 1 megohm cord system. Log or badge-record the result per operator per shift.
Put the tester at the EPA entrance, not in a drawer; visible, quick tests actually get done.
Why straps fail
Most failures are mundane: a dry or dirty elastic band losing skin contact, a coiled cord with a broken conductor, or a snap loose from the cuff. Clean bands with mild soapy water and replace cords that fail the cord-only check rather than reusing suspect hardware.
FAQ
What does the resistance pass range mean?
It balances a safe bleed path for charge with operator safety: low enough to drain charge, high enough to limit current if the operator touches live voltage.
Can two operators share one strap tester?
Yes, testers are shared routinely; the strap and cord are personal items, the tester is common equipment.
Do wireless straps pass instead?
So-called cordless straps rely on air ionisation and are not accepted by most ESD control programs; use a corded, tested path.
How often should the cord be replaced?
Replace immediately after a failed cord test; otherwise inspect visually each shift and bench-test periodically per your ESD plan.
All figures above refer to standard product data sheets; final confirmation is subject to written quotation.