Labelling an EPA correctly - which ESD signs are required?
An EPA (ESD Protected Area) must be clearly marked so everyone recognises where protective measures apply. This guide explains the three levels of labelling under EN 61340-5-1: EPA warning signs at the entrance, floor marking of the zone, and labels on components and packaging.
View ESD labellingWhy does an EPA have to be labelled?
Labelling makes the boundaries of an ESD protected area visible and points to the protective measures that apply. Under EN 61340‑5‑1, clear marking of the EPA is an integral part of the ESD control programme.
Without clear labelling, staff and visitors enter the zone without the grounding provided by a wrist strap or ESD footwear. Signs and floor markings ensure everyone knows the rules before touching sensitive components.
- Make the EPA boundary visible at the entrance.
- Communicate the rules (grounding, access).
- Make ESD sensitive components and assemblies recognisable.
- Create traceability for audit and follow-up.
Which signs and symbols belong on the EPA?
At the entrance to the EPA stands the ESD warning sign with the yellow triangle and the hand inside it. Inside the zone, the ESD protective symbol (hand in a triangle with an arc) marks all protected components and equipment.
How is the zone marked on the floor?
The EPA boundary is drawn on the floor with a continuous line or yellow-black marking around 50 to 75 mm wide. This keeps the zone clearly recognisable from a distance and during normal operation.
- Floor marking tape or applied paint along the entire boundary.
- Yellow-black stripes for the outer EPA boundary, clearly visible.
- Tapes must be dissipative when laid within the conductive floor area.
- Add signs at eye level at every entrance.
How are components and packaging labelled?
ESD sensitive components (ESDS) and their packaging carry the ESD warning symbol. Packaging labelling follows EN 61340‑5‑3, which defines symbols for dissipative, shielding and conductive packaging.
- ESDS symbol on every single-component bag and carton.
- Batch and traceability data kept separate from the ESD symbol.
- Replace damaged or illegible labels immediately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the ESD protective symbol and the warning symbol?
The protective symbol (hand in a triangle with an arc beneath) marks equipment that provides ESD protection. The warning symbol (hand with a diagonal bar) marks sensitive components that must be protected.
Which standard governs EPA labelling?
EN 61340‑5‑1 requires clear marking of the protected area. The symbols for ESD packaging are defined in EN 61340‑5‑3.
How wide must the floor marking be?
Continuous lines of around 50 to 75 mm in yellow-black are common. What matters is good visibility and, on ESD floors, dissipative marking tape.
Does packaging need a symbol too?
Yes. ESD sensitive components and their packaging carry the ESD warning symbol, plus the packaging symbols under EN 61340‑5‑3 for shielding, dissipative or conductive materials.
Labelling your EPA to standard?
We supply ESD warning signs, dissipative floor marking tape and tested labels to EN 61340-5-1 and EN 61340-5-3.
Standard-compliant
Signs and labels to EN 61340-5-1 and 5-3.
Fully marked
Zone, floor and component from one source.
Audit-ready
Documentable labelling for ESD audits.
Expert advice
ESD specialists help with correct placement.