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2.2.2 Environmental Facts

Ensure that equipment and hazardous chemicals are disposed of properly.

Remember to:

  • consult the manufacturer's documentation for recommended solutions for equipment disposal.
  • consult your organizations MSDS for info on:
    • physical data
    • toxicity
    • health effects
    • first aid
    • storage
    • disposal procedures
    • spill procedures

Disposal Procedures

Component / Material Disposal Method
Alkaline Battery Dispose in common trash, recycle, or consult local laws
Button battery Return to manufacturer, recycle, or consult local authorities
Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) battery Recycle
CRT Monitor Discharge before disposal, then contact local authorities
PC System Recycle, give it away, resell
Power Supply Discharge before disposal, then recycle or contact local authorities
Laser Printer Toner Cartridges Return to manufacturer (if spill, use a toner vacuum or a scoop and a damp cloth, NEVER use normal vacuum)
Inkjet printer cartridges Recycle or return to manufacturer
Cleaning Solutions & Solvents Consult your organizations MSDS
or contact local authorities for disposal directives

Air Quality

Factor Description
Temperature Higher temperature equals faster component aging and degrading. Possible for hardware to be destroyed at incredibly high temperatures.
While internal fans do help regulate the system's temperature, remember to monitor the room of where the system is located. General guidelines state that 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard for server rooms, datacenters, and offices where lots of systems are located.
Humidity Computers are designed to run within a certain humidity range. Too much or too little makes the computer run sub-optimally. The recommended range is between 40 and 60 percent humidity.
Ventilation Good ventilation is key when maintaining the previous two factors. PCs and laptops should be operated in spaces where there is good air to flow both in and out. Datacenters and server rooms often use hot and cold aisles to ensure that hot air is removed and cool air is pushed into the room.

Cleaning

Tool Description
Computer Vacuum Used to remove small bits of dust and dirt. Be careful using near small components.
Damp Cloth Used to clean the outside of a computer and monitor. Be sure to unplug any electronic device before cleaning.
Denatured Isopropyl Alcohol Used to clean metal contacts or electrical connectors (like those found on expansion cards).
Compressed Air Used to blow small particles of dust and dirt from inside your device. Vacuum dust from the system regularly.
LCD Cleaning Solution Used to clean LCD screens.
Antistatic & Micro-filtering Vacuum Used to remove excess toner from a laser printer.
Natural Bristle Brush Used to clean the internal components of a system, like the motherboard and other circuit cards.
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