Keep your Components Safe From Electro Static Discharge ESD

 I have never seen so many technicians not realize how static electricity can damage your components in your computer.Yes some of these technicians are what I would refer to as old school. In other words they just believe that placing your hand or arm on the metal computer case will prevent any esd damage. Well yes it can help to somewhat as a preventative measure. Will it make working on components totally safe ? The unfortunate answer to that is no it will not make it completely safe.

                    
 The best things to do to prevent damage to your computer components or any electronic device is to use a esd wrist strap connected to a esd mat and have the esd mat properly grounded. That brings me to my next point. I remember going on a tour of one company and they had esd mats, but they were not connected to any ground. Then they wonder why they have so many failures out in the field. It would be much better if the company first realized what they need to do by getting a proper education on esd from a professional. Next the company needs to provide the proper education to each of their employees and have them certified. I was always amazed at what I saw during a good esd education.

Here are some dos and don'ts on how to handle your electronic components.

1. Always Use A ESD Wrist Strap
2. Always Use A Properly Grounded ESD Mat
3. Keep Your Component In The ESD Bag Until You Are Installing It
4. Keep Your Environment Clean 
5. Practice ESD Protection Even When Your Components Are Installed In The Case
6. Always Watch Out And Help Fellow Employes

Things That You Should Not Do.

1. Never Carry The Electronic Component Not In The ESD Bag
2. Never Carry The Electronic Component Sandwiched On The Outside Of The ESD Bag
3. Never Sit Your Electronic Components On Top Of the ESD Bag
4. Never Sit a Component On Any Surface That Is Not ESD Safe
5. Never Eat Or Drink Beverages While Working On Components
6. Never Use Metal Objects Near Any Component With Out Any ESD Protection

  It should be noted that when I refer to an Electronic Component I mean a Motherboard, Memory, Hard Drive, Video Card, Sound Card and really any electronic device.