It is always a good idea to "Discharge to Ground" any built up static electricity when opening/working inside of electronic equipment containing IC's.
Some use a "Ground Strap" attached to a ground point at one end and the other end is placed around the wrist.
I prefer to simply touch my hands to an exposed chassis ground point(shiny metal surface) inside the item being serviced and don't shuffle your feet afterwards.
I have experienced discharge sparks up to 1/4" in length depending on current footwear/carpet/humidity conditions.
It goes without saying equipment should be serviced unplugged/unpowered if possible.
Better safe than sorry.
Respectfully, Rickisan