Rules

• Use wrist straps. Grounding wrist straps are the first line of defence against ESD. They attach to your wirst and connect to a grounded surface or outlet through a wire. When properly connected, a wrist strap "bleeds off" any charge on your body and clothing, make it safer to handle delicate electronics.
• Use antistatic containers. You have probably noticed that all delicate electronics comes packaged in blue or pink bag. These act as "Faraday cages" which dissipate charges before thay can reach the device contained inside. Always keep devices inside antistatic containers until you are ready to actually install them, then place any removed device into an antistatic container immediately.
• Use and antistatic mat. A mat works like a wirst strap by connecting to ground and bleeding off any accumilated charges. You can place boards, ICs or SIMMs sagely on a properly connected anti static mat without having to place them in container. Antistatic mats are very popular on PC repair workbenches where sensitive items are regularly installed and removed.
• Use antistatic chemicals. Monitor screens, most synthetic surfaces, and virtually all plastic enclosures are major sources of ESD. when properly and regularly applied, antistatic chemicals can go a long way towards preventing ESD damage from accidental or casual contact with sensitive electronics.
• Manage temperature and humidity. Static builds up easily in cool, dry environments. work in a warm area with adequate relative humidity (RH). Use a humidifier if necessary to maintain adequate RH.