Abstract: An electronically controlled accessway includes a touch pad mounted to or immediately in front of, a door panel. A step plate is positioned immediately in front of the door. A user stands on the step plate to open the door and contacts the touch pad. A grounding sensor coupled to the touch pad and the step plate detects resistance between the touch pad and the step plate. If the resistance between the touch pad and the step plate is within a designated range, the grounding sensor releases an electronically controlled locking mechanism to permit the door to be opened. If the grounding sensor detects that the person is not properly grounded, the grounding sensor leaves the locking mechanism engaged to prevent the person from entering the statically sensitive area. In one embodiment, the door panel is pivotable about conventional hinges and the touch pad is integral to the door handle.