ESD mats are useful for protecting against which of the following hazards?

Chemical burns are a physical hazard addressed by protective gloves and proper chemical handling procedures, not ESD mats.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is mitigated through shielding, proper cable routing, and filtering, not ESD mats.

RF interference is addressed through Faraday shielding or RF filters, which is unrelated to the electrostatic protection provided by ESD mats.

ESD mats work by providing a conductive or dissipative path that safely channels static electricity away from components to ground, preventing electrostatic discharge events that can permanently damage sensitive electronic components. Static buildup on a technician's body or workspace can reach thousands of volts, enough to destroy chips without any visible spark. ESD mats are a standard component of a proper anti-static workspace.