ESD Coordinator - What Are the Duties and Responsibility?
The ESD coordinator owns the ESD control program and makes sure every measure meets the standard. This guide explains the duties, qualification and responsibility under ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC/EN 61340-5-1, from building the program to recurring verification and staff training.
View ESD equipmentWhat does an ESD coordinator do?
The ESD coordinator is the named person who builds, documents and maintains the ESD control program. Under ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC/EN 61340‑5‑1 every EPA must have a clearly assigned responsible person so that authority and accountability are unambiguous.
The coordinator translates the requirements of the standard into a written program with a plan, limit values and verification intervals. This covers defining the EPA (ESD Protected Area), selecting the control measures and continuously monitoring that every element stays effective.
What concrete duties does the role involve?
Duties range from planning and procurement to recurring verification. The coordinator sets the limit values, defines who measures how often, and decides how deviations are handled.
- Create and maintain the ESD control program and compliance verification plan in writing.
- Define limit values (e.g. person grounding below 3.5 x 10⁷ Ω, floor resistance, ionizer decay time).
- Organise recurring tests of wrist straps, mats, floors and footwear.
- Have test equipment calibrated and document the verification records.
- Plan staff training and keep the training evidence.
- Support procurement of ESD equipment and qualify new items.
What qualification does the coordinator need?
The role requires a technical understanding of ESD physics, knowledge of the standards and practical measurement skills. Many companies rely on recognised ESD coordinator training combined with internal onboarding.
The coordinator runs or supports the internal audit that provides the ongoing evidence of program effectiveness. A full review is usually done at least once a year, complemented by spot measurements during operation.
- Knowledge of ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC/EN 61340‑5‑1.
- Confident use of resistance and field measurement instruments.
- Ability to derive test plans, limit values and corrective actions.
- Teaching skills for instructing staff.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ESD coordinator legally required?
No law names the role directly, but ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC 61340‑5‑1 require a named person responsible for the ESD control program. Anyone working to these standards needs the function.
How often must the ESD program be verified?
A full audit is usually done at least annually. Person grounding is tested daily, while other elements such as floors or ionizers follow a defined verification plan.
What is the limit for person grounding?
The combined resistance of person and grounding system should stay below 3.5 x 10⁷ Ω. This value ensures charges drain in a controlled and sufficiently fast way.
Does the coordinator need external certification?
The standard does not require personal certification, but it does require demonstrable competence. Recognised ESD coordinator training and a documented appointment are common practice.
Equipment for your ESD control program?
We supply tested measurement instruments, person grounding and EPA equipment per ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC 61340-5-1 - including advice for your verification plan.
Standard compliant
Equipment per ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC 61340-5-1.
Verifiable
Instruments for your verification plan and audits.
Fully grounded
Person grounding and EPA components from one source.
Expert advice
ESD specialists support your coordinator.