How to help prevent ESD

The best method of preventing ESD is to use an ESD wrist strap and/or use a grounding mat or table.

Zero Potential - Most importantly, make sure you and the computer are at Zero Potential by continuously touching an un-painted metal surface of the chassis or the computer power supply case.

Standing - It is also very important that you are standing at all times when working on the computer. Setting on a chair can generated more electrostatic. This static electricity between clothes and a "seat or chair" is what can blow up gasoline fumes at a gas station.

Cords - Make sure everything is removed from the back of the computer (power cord, mouse, keyboard, etc).

Clothes - Make sure not to wear any clothing that conducts a lot of Electrical Charge, such as a wool sweater.

Weather - Electrical storms can increase the ESD risk; try not to work on a computer during an electrical storm. Our weather in Nevada makes static electricity because of the dry air and the constant wind. I spray a mixture of fabric softener (which has anti-static properties) and water on my furniture and my carpet.

Accessories - To help reduce ESD and help prevent other problem, it is also a good idea to remove all jewelry. I did not know that jewelry would add to the ESD problem.

This information came from the textbook and www.computerhope.com/esd.htm