Abstract: The invention relates to a portable handheld work apparatus which is driven by a drive motor (1) having electrical ground (4). The drive motor (1) is configured especially as a spark-ignition engine (2). The work apparatus includes handles (5, 33) of electrically insulating material. A grounding element (6) is provided in the surface of the handle and this grounding element is conductively connected to the electrical ground (4) of the motor (1).