Handling Precautions

Most integrated circuits operate on low voltages (3 - 15 V) and can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD) from your body. A human body typically has a static charge of around 100 volts.

It takes an ESD of 3000 - 5000 volts to see the tiniest spark from your finger.
It takes an ESD of 5000 - 7000 volts to feel the tiniest spark from your finger.
It takes an ESD of 7000 - 10000 volts to hear the tiniest spark from your finger.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage many solid-state electrical components. ESD susceptible components may or may not be labeled with the ESD symbol (shown below). Handle all electrical components as if they were ESD sensitive.

Use the following precautions in order to avoid ESD damage:

Always use a wrist ground strap. A ground strap is available at electronics supply outlets like the Radio Shack 276-2370 Electronics Anti-Static Service Kit shown below.

If a wrist ground strap is unavailable, touch a metal ground point in order to remove your body's static charge before servicing any electronic component; especially after sliding across the vehicle seat.
Do not touch exposed terminals. Terminals may connect to circuits susceptible the ESD damage.
Do not allow tools to contact exposed terminals when servicing connectors.
Do not remove components from their protective packaging until required to do so.

Avoid the following actions unless required by the diagnostic procedure:

Jumpering or grounding of the components or connectors.
Connecting test equipment probes to components or connectors. Connect the ground lead first when using test probes.
Ground the protective packaging of any component before opening. Do not rest solid-state components on metal workbenches, or on top of TVs, radios, or other electrical devices.