Which practice is recommended to prevent electrostatic discharge in RAWS operations?

Grounding equipment regularly is a critical practice to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) in RAWS operations. Grounding helps to dissipate any accumulated static charge safely into the environment, thereby minimizing the risk of electrostatic discharge damaging sensitive electronic components. By establishing a direct electrical connection to the ground, any charge that builds up on equipment due to friction or other means can be neutralized, ensuring that it does not build up to levels that could cause harm.

This practice is particularly important in environments where sensitive electronic devices are handled, such as RAWS maintenance, as even a small discharge can damage components irreparably. Grounding also contributes to creating a safer working environment by reducing the likelihood of sparks that could ignite flammable materials or cause other hazardous situations.

While other options such as using insulated tools, wearing rubber gloves, and conducting frequent circuit tests are all valuable safety practices in their own right, they do not specifically address the prevention of electrostatic discharge as effectively as grounding does. Insulated tools and rubber gloves can provide personal protection but may not entirely prevent ESD issues with tools or equipment. Frequent circuit tests are important for ensuring functionality but do not inherently relate to the management of static electricity and its related risks.