Static Electricity

STEP 1 - Generate static electricity by walking across a carpeted floor then touching a door handle.

STEP 2 - Generate static electricity by walking across a non-carpeted floor and touching a door handle.
Is the amount the same?

STEP 3 - Write some information on the whiteboard, erase the entire whiteboard then touch the metal base.

STEP 4 -

Anti-Static Devices

Wrist Strap - Wrist strap is made of the strap, coil cord and a alligator or banana clip.  Alligator clips attach to the metal portion of the part your working on (make sure its bare metal).  Banana clips attach to a ground mount.
What are the good points?
What are the bad points?

Cordless Wrist Strap - Based on the 'Corona' principle, this wrist strap does not have the coil cord to get in the way.  It must be put on for 15 minutes prior to working and has to be calibrated monthly.
What are the good points?
What are the bad points?

Ankle Strap - This strap is just like the wrist strap, but instead goes on one of your ankles.  It is mainly designed if you have to work on conductive flooring.  They can be cord or cordless.
What are the good points?
What are the bad points?

Mat - Mats can be used either for you to stand on or to lay on top of the surface your working on.  The mat provides you with a border of protection for your computer and components.  Some mats use a anti-static liquid that must be applied to offer protection, they offer mobility.  The majority of mats must either be grounded to the metal frame of a bench or be attached to a wall power outlet.  If your wrist strap has a banana plug, then it hooks directly to the mats mount.
What are the good points?
What are the bad points?

Garment - Shirts, pants and coats are made to further protect.  Lab coats in particular have a greater coverage for control and look professional.
What are the good points?
What are the bad points?

Bag - Anti-static bags should be used anytime you remove a component for transportation or storage.  The bag must be closed in order to be effective.  Each component should be in its own bag, and never power a component while inside or on top since they are conductive.
What are the good points?
What are the bad points?

Grounding - Sometimes you are without an anti-static device, what do you do?  The grounding method is such as before you touch the computer or component you rub your hands over a large metal object like the power supply.  This quickly removes any static buildup but is not permanent so needs to be repeated.
What are the good points?
What are the bad points?

 

Handling - When you handle components, always hold them by the edges. If you avoid touching any pins, edges, chips, or anything else made of metal, you greatly decrease the chances that you will zap or break anything.
What are the good points?
What are the bad points?
Materials
Water - I'm sure you watched enough movies where in order to shock somebody, they would use water.  Water is one of the best conductors of electricity, this is why there is no drinks allowed when working on or next to computers.
What would happen if water was spilled computer while the power is on?

 Metal - There are many types of metal, but the majority of them are conductors (look closely at a circuit board).  Most if not all your tools will be metal based, you need to be aware of tools that have a bare handle.
What would happen if dropped a tool inside a computer while the power is on?

Rubber - This is the best insulator available, that is why you see almost every tool handle with it.  The anti-static mats are made out of rubber to double as a 'anti-electric' device.  Wearing rubber gloves is a good idea any time you have to touch live power cords. 
What kind of material should your shoe soles be made of?

 Wood - Wood makes a good natural insulator, if your tools are not rubber by their handle its a good bet their made out of wood.  Know that if the wood is wet or soaked, it now becomes a conductor.

Plastic - Plastics cannot conduct electricity unless they were designed for such a task.  All computer tools that have plastic handles are safe to you unless otherwise noted.
What about anti-static and plastics?

 Magnetism - To magnetize or not to magnetize?  This is always a subject of concern for all techs.  Basically, a magnetic tool will allow you to reach areas otherwise restricted and make quicker work overall.  You do however need to be aware that only a magnet can destroy or corrupt something else that is magnetic.
What are some thing inside a computer that use magnetic properties?