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2.1.2 Safety Measures

This lesson covers the following topics:

Power handling
Personal safety
Material safety data sheet (MSDS)

Power Handling
The following practices should be followed to ensure your safety when handling power
components.

Hazards Description

Power hazards can cause electrical shock and burns.

Before handling a system component, make sure that it is powered off and that
the main power cord is unplugged from the wall socket.
Ensure that the grounding pin on a PC power plug is intact.
Unplug the system before working on internal components. Newer power
Power supplies constantly pull power from the socket.
Be aware that the power inverter (power supply) converts AC to DC. Also be
aware that the power supply can retain an electrical charge, even when it's not
plugged in. Replace faulty power supplies instead of trying to repair them.
Avoid opening the power supply, which houses a capacitor (stores a large charge
of electricity).

A capacitor is a device that stores an electric charge. Be sure to discharge capacitors or

Capacitor turn the equipment over to qualified personnel for servicing. Similarly, exercise caution
when working with the DC converter in a laptop display.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the flow of electricity from one electrically charged object to
another. While some ESD can be unnoticeable to the human senses, it can still be
hazardous to computer components.
Take the following precautions when handling electronics:

Use ESD wrist straps not only to protect components, but to reduce the chance of
ESD and high
accidental electrical shock. Properly ground yourself before working with
voltage
components.
Do not use an ESD wrist strap when working with monitors, power supplies,
laptop LCD panels, or other high-voltage components.
Exercise caution when wearing jewelry, because it readily conducts electricity and
could cause burns or even electrocution.

Peripherals A peripheral is a device that connects to a computer, such as a monitor or a printer.

Peripherals can present a safety hazard to you.
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Do not use a regular multimeter or other electrical testing equipment to measure

charge inside a monitor.
Never clean the monitor's glass with a liquid solvent while the monitor is powered
on.
Some studies suggest that laser printers emit tiny particles which could be
dangerous when inhaled. As a precaution, do not locate laser printers
immediately next to desks, and keep the area ventilated.
Avoid handling leaky batteries. The leaking electrolytes can be harmful if they get
into your eyes.
Never look into the end of a fiber optic networking cable. Laser light can damage
your eyes.

Personal Safety
Personal safety is your top priority when working with computer components. The following
practices should be followed to ensure your safety.

Practice Description

Components such as the CPU heat sink and fan, the printing head of a dot matrix printer,
Thermal or components inside a laser printer can be hot. After turning off a computer or printer,
allow components to cool sufficiently before servicing to prevent burns.

Make sure the room and the building are properly set up to ensure your safety.

Keep work areas and floors clear of clutter to help prevent accidents.
Do not route cables across the floor in pathways. This can lead to tripping
accidents and could also result in worn cables.
Physical
Provide adequate ventilation in an enclosure to remove toxic fumes.
Protect yourself from airborne particles by using an air filter mask.
Wear safety goggles.
Replace worn or frayed power cords.

Be careful when lifting heavy objects.

Bend your knees and keep your back straight, using your legs to lift objects.
Wear a back brace for added protection if your job requires frequent lifting.
Lifting
Use carts and other tools when moving heavy objects for any significant distance.
Ask for help, if necessary, when lifting or moving heavier objects.
Follow the weight limitation guidelines defined by your employer.

Cleanliness Clean hardware regularly to avoid problems caused by built-up dust.

Use compressed air to clean delicate components.

Use a specialized vacuum to clean dust from other hardware.
Avoid blowing dust into other hardware or all over your office.

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Every room in which you work should be fire suppressed.

Have at least a Class C fire extinguisher available. A Class C fire extinguisher is

made for electrical fires.
Make sure fire extinguishers and fire suppression methods (e.g., sprinklers) are
properly implemented and maintained.
Fire
Promptly report any potentially hazardous situations.
Make the safety of others your top priority in responding to any incident. In the
event of a hazardous situation, clear people from the area or remove the danger
before attempting other actions such as preventing or repairing damage to
components.

Jewelry and clothing can get in the way and can help to create or conduct static electricity.
Clothing and
Avoid wearing loose clothing.
jewelry
Remove jewelry from hands and wrists when working on computer components.

Protect your eyes and mouth from flying debris, dust, or allergens by using:
Eyes and
Air filtration mask
mouth
Safety glasses

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) provides information related to potential hazards and safety
precautions within an organization. A MSDS should include:

A listing of hazardous chemicals or components.

Potential effects of exposure.
Requirements for the handling and storage of hazardous materials including such things
as:
Proper battery disposal
Proper toner disposal
Proper disposal of other devices and assets
Response plan if accidents do occur.
Plan for responding to injuries.
Plan for securing hazardous materials.

Copyright © 2023 TestOut Corp. Copyright © The Computing Technology Industry

Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

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