Proper component handling and storage:
Antistatic wrist strap: A technician can prevent ESD by using a variety of methods. The most common tactic is to use an antistatic wrist strap. One end encircles the technician's wrist. At the other end, an alligator clip attaches to the computer. The clip attaches to a grounding post or a metal part such as the power supply.
Antistatic bag: Antistatic bags are good for storing spare adapters and motherboards when the parts are not in use. However, antistatic bags lose their effectiveness after a few years. Antistatic mats are available to place underneath a computer being repaired; such a mat may have a snap for connecting the antistatic wrist strap. Antistatic heel straps are also available.
Self-grounding: Electrical outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shock. Modern building codes require all outlets to be either self-grounded or ground-fault circuit interrupters.
Personal safety:
Disconnect power before repairing PC: Always be absolutely sure that that your unit is completely disconnected from the power source before you begin any internal service. It is also good to discharge any energy stored in the components. After unplugging the unit hold the power button down for a few seconds. This will cause the PC to initiate the boot process. Without a power source, the unit will not boot but will dump any energy stored in the capacitors. Performing this simple procedure will reduce the possibility of any electrical shorts or harmful accidental discharge.
Remove jewelry: Remove your jewelry before any electronic service. Doing this will eliminate the possibility of damage caused by shorts and accidental discharges. You will be safer and so will the unit you are working on. If you have an ID badge around your neck or even a necktie, be sure to tuck it inside your clothing while you are servicing. You don’t want to catch on any mechanical components like fans or optical drives.
Lifting techniques: When lifting take a second or two to consider the weight of the object its location (floor, desk or shelf). Now think about the best practices for lifting. For example, keep your back straight and use your legs to lift. Use leverage instead of muscle. A little forethought can spare you weeks of pain.
Weight limitations: Your job description could cover lifting minimums but you will see that rarely is there a maximum limit. Here again, planning will give you the opportunity to perform the task without injury. Plan for items like carts or hand trucks to help manage heavy weights or long distances.
Weight limitations: Your job description could cover lifting minimums but you will see that rarely is there a maximum limit. Here again, planning will give you the opportunity to perform the task without injury. Plan for items like carts or hand trucks to help manage heavy weights or long distances.
Electrical fire safety: In the event of an electrical fire, you should make every effort to remove the power. Many fires are a result of someone bypassing or ignoring simple electrical safety procedures. For example, don’t overload the outlets. Use extension cords as a temporary solution only and never plug one extension cord into another. Examine the plug and cord of a device for signs of wear and replace before using. Never run a cable of any type under a rug or mat. Fire safety codes require fire extinguishers of the types indicated in specific locations. Electrical fires can be either of two classes depending on their state. When energized the fire is Class C, then once the power is removed it becomes the class of the burning material i.e. plastic or Class B. here is a clearly labeled Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.
Cable management: As mentioned above that you should not run cables under rugs or mats. Then how do you keep people from tripping on cables? You don’t run them across the floor, period. There is no condition that justifies running cables across the open floor or walkways. Bundle cables together using Velcro straps or zip ties.
Safety goggles: You should be in the habit of wearing eye protection at all times in the workplace. Choose the right style for the type of protection you require. Safety eyewear has impact resistant properties and there are designs that offer additional protection against chemical splashes and airborne contaminants like dust or laser printer toner. In a dusty or dirty environment, you should always protect your lungs. Irritants suspended in the air may be invisible. You will be able to see the effectiveness of a filter mask by examining the mask after a period of use. Any particulate matter filtered out of the air will be visible on the mask. You may be surprised.
Compliance with local government regulations: When you are in the workplace keep in mind that certain activities like cable routing and disposing of hazardous waste are regulated under local codes or ordinances. You should be aware of these regulations in order to comply with them.
