What is a key function of the wrist strap used in ESD safety?

The wrist strap used in ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) safety is primarily designed to ground the technician. By connecting the technician to a grounding point, the wrist strap helps to continuously discharge any static electricity that might build up on the technician's body. This is essential in environments dealing with sensitive electronic components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge. By ensuring that the technician is properly grounded, the risk of causing damage due to static electricity is minimized, protecting both the technician and the equipment they are working on.

In contrast, while maintaining a good grip may be important, this is not the purpose of the wrist strap. Preventing electrical shock is related but not the primary function; the wrist strap is more about managing static electricity rather than handling high voltage. Additionally, while tools may be held in a variety of ways, the wrist strap itself doesn’t hold tools and is strictly for managing static electricity.