Online filesystem scrubbing and repair

Online filesystem scrubbing and repair

FWIW, when I worked in a place with an on-site factory that handled ESD-sensitive items (BGA chips for rework), the standard for static handling was two big RS ESD-safe mats connected to the same earth, and Uvex ESD gloves. You stood in socks on one ESD-safe mat, you put the work item on the bench on the other, both shared an earth so that there was no charge gradient across you, you used the wriststrap to ensure that your body was at the same potential as the mat the work item was on (in case your socks were insulating), and you wore the ESD gloves to reduce the risk further. Kinda expensive for a home setup, though...

The other trick the factory workers all worked to was "cotton work clothes only" - apparently synthetics and wool were more likely to result in you getting zapped when you stepped on the mat than cotton was, and that wasn't a pleasant feeling.

Note that domestic rubber gloves aren't suitable - they tend to be static accumulators, as they don't have the conductive layer to dissipate static charges, and can make the zap worse. Same goes for non-ESD rated rubber-soled shoes - they can cause the static charge to build up where it might otherwise dissipate. It's easy to make your ESD problem worse if you're not using the right kit :-(