Which procedure is essential for ensuring the safety of a technician when working with internal components?

The procedure of removing static electricity is critical for ensuring the safety of a technician when working with internal components due to the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD can cause significant damage to sensitive electronic components, leading to equipment malfunction or failure. By discharging static electricity from their body, through practices such as using an ESD wrist strap or grounding oneself, technicians protect both themselves and the components they are handling. This step is fundamental in environments where sensitive devices are present, such as in electronics repair or assembly.

While wearing gloves, using insulated tools, and ensuring a clean workspace also contribute to safety and effective work practices, they do not specifically address the issue of protecting electronic equipment from ESD, which is the primary concern when discussing internal components. Thus, removing static electricity is regarded as a foundational safety procedure in this context.