Final answer:
To reduce the risk of ESD damage when working on computer equipment, using a grounded antistatic mat is effective. It creates an equipotential surface and prevents static charges from accumulating. Other safety precautions, like wearing insulated shoes and working with one hand, also contribute to electrical safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The action that can reduce the risk of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) damage when working on computer equipment is working on a grounded antistatic mat. This is because our bodies can conduct electricity due to water content, and when in contact with a voltage source and ground, a current can flow through the body, potentially causing harm. An antistatic mat is designed to dissipate static electricity, thus reducing the risk of ESD. Grounding the mat ensures it is at zero volts relative to the earth, making it an equipotential surface and preventing a voltage difference that could cause charges to flow.
Other safety measures when working with electrical equipment include wearing insulated shoes to break the path of current through the feet and working with one hand to reduce the risk of current passing through the heart. Lowering the humidity level in the work area is not as effective for ESD prevention as using a grounded antistatic mat, and keeping computer equipment plugged into a surge protector or moving cordless phones away from the work area does not specifically address ESD risks.
Understanding and applying electrical safety concepts, such as grounding, can help prevent many electrical hazards and should be used as a basis for further study and application in specific environments like hospitals where special protection against microshocks is necessary.