For more information, you might also look at [http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/20807/Do+I+really+need+a+anti-static+strap-mat+for+dismantling+a+desktop#answer21407|this discussion which we had recently] regarding ESD. There's quite a diversity of opinions there about the topic. :)
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To summarize my opinion that I state there - I have worked without any sort of protection for years, and have never had any problems. I believe the level of protection that a user takes to prevent ESD should be based off their exact circumstances, and their comfort level working with different risks, but extra protection never hurts.
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To summarize my opinion: I worked without any sort of ESD protection for years, and never experienced any immediate problems. ESD protections are always a good idea, and I believe the level of protection that a user takes to prevent ESD should be based off their comfort level working with the risks that ESD carries. Extra protection never hurts.
For more information, you might also look at [http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/20807/Do+I+really+need+a+anti-static+strap-mat+for+dismantling+a+desktop#answer21407|this discussion which we had recently] regarding ESD. There's quite a diversity of opinions there about the topic. :)
To summarize my opinion that I state there - I have worked without any sort of protection for years, and have never had any problems. I believe the level of protection that a user takes to prevent ESD should be based off their exact circumstances, and their comfort level working with different risks, but extra protection never hurts.