On the subject of earth straps - make sure thet you use a PROPER anti-static wrist earthstrap and don't try to make one out of a gash bit of wire. That's a quick way to an early grave, and we don't want that!
"Proper" earth straps are high resistance and shouldn't lead to an electric shock risk. They allow the slow(ish) dissipation of many thousands of volts that can build up on your person as you scuff around the house in your nylon soled shoes whilst wearing your polyester vest with a wool top (ignore the vision!) - just think of the zap you might occassionaly get when you slide in and out of a car, you don't want to do that to your electronic stuff.
Sorry if we're into "granny sucking eggs" territory.
ST