2.1.1 Safety Measures

Follow the following practices to ensure your safety when handling power components.

Power

Power hazards can cause electrical shock and burns. Before handling a system component:

• Make sure the system is powered off <-- DO THIS FIRST!!!
• Remove any worn jewelry
• Place the PC on an ESD mat
• Use safety goggles
• Make sure 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 opening up the system and working on internal components
• Instead of trying to repair faulty power supplies (remember that they convert AC -> DC electricity)

Capacitors

A capacitor is a device that stores an electric charge. Always discharge capacitors or turn the equipment over to qualified personnel for servicing. Be sure to watch out for DC converters that are in laptop displays.

ESD

Electrostatic-Discharge is the flow of electricity from one electrically charged object to another. While ESD is mostly unnoticeable to human senses, it can still be a hazard to computer components.

• Always use ESD wrist straps to protect the system's components, and also to reduce the chance of accidental electrical shock. Always properly ground yourself when working with computer components.

Peripherals

Peripherals can prevent a safety hazard to you when you're working with them.

• Don't use a regular multimeter or other electrical testing equipment to measure the charge inside a monitor.
• Never clean the monitor's glass with a liquid solvent when the monitor is powered on.
• Don't put laser printers next to desks, and ventilate the area where they are placed.
• Avoid handling leaky batteries. The leaking electrolytes can be dangerous if they get into your eyes.
• Never look into the end of a fiber optic networking cable. They emit dangerous laser light that can damage your eyes.

Personal Safety

Personal safety is always the top priority when working with computer components. Ensure you always follow the safety practices listed below.

Thermal

After turning off heated computer components like the CPU heatsink and it's fan, the printing head of a dot matrix printer, or the components inside a laser printer, be sure to give them time off to cool before working with them. This avoids potential burn injuries.

Physical

Make sure the room and building is properly setup to ensure your safety.

• Keep work areas and floors clear of clutter to help prevent accidents.
• Don't route cables across the floor in pathways. This'll help avoid tripping accidents and worn cables.
• Provide adequate ventilation in enclosure to remove toxic fumes.
• Protect yourself from particles in the air by using an air filter mask.
• Wear safety goggles.
• Replace worn or frayed power cords.

Lifting

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.
• 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.

Fire

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.
• 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.

Clothing & Jewelry

Jewelry and clothing can get in the way and can help to create or conduct static electricity.

• Avoid wearing loose clothing.
• Remove jewelry from hands and wrists when working on computer components.

Eyes & Mouth

Protect your eyes and mouth from flying debris, dust, or allergens by using:

• Air filtration mask
• Safety glasses

#II

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