Safety Measures

Safety Measures

Personal safety should be your top priority when working with computer components. Keep in mind the following specific issues that can be hazardous:

• Be careful when working with electricity. Make sure system components are powered off.
• Anti-static wrist straps not only protect components, but can reduce the chance of accidental electrical shock. Properly ground yourself before working with components.
• Do not use a grounding strap when working with monitors, power supplies, laptop LCD panels, or other high-voltage components.
• Never look into the end of a fiber optic networking cable. Laser light can damage your eyes.
• Use caution when servicing CRT monitors. They can store large amounts of electricity, even when unplugged. Be sure to discharge capacitors or turn the equipment over to qualified personnel for servicing.

Hazardous Material Disposal
To dispose of equipment, consult the manufacturer's documentation for recommended solutions. To dispose of hazardous chemicals, consult the MSDS (material safety data sheet) for information on physical data, toxicity, health effects, first aid, storage, disposal, and spill procedures. The table below offers suggestions for disposing of used equipment.

Component or Material	Disposal Method
Alkaline batteries	Regular trash. Recycling possible.
Notebook battery packs Button batteries	Considered hazardous waste. Return to manufacturer, recycle, or contact local authorities for disposal procedures.
Monitor	Contact local authorities. Discharge before disposal. (CRTs can contain high voltages.)
Power supply	Contact local authorities. Discharge before disposal. (Contains high voltages.)
Cleaning solutions and solvents	Consult MSDS and local authorities.
Laser printer toner	Return to manufacturer for recycling. (To clean up spills, use a toner vacuum or a scoop and a damp cloth. Never use a regular vacuum.)
Ink-jet printer cartridges	Consult with local authorities for recycling possibilities.

Fire Fighting Tips
You should know the following facts about fighting fires:

• Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly for proper pressure.
• If you need to use a fire extinguisher be sure to remove the pin. A pin is inserted in the handle of most fire extinguishers to prevent the extinguisher from being accidentally triggered.
• Aim toward the base of the fire.
• Face the fire. Do not turn from it; back away from it instead.
• NEVER reuse a fire extinguisher. It could have inadequate pressure or the nozzle could become clogged. It is usually less expensive to simply purchase a new fire extinguisher.

The following table contains information about fire classifications. The most common concern in PC maintenance is the Class C fire. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for Class C fires near your work area.

Classification	Description
Class A	Fueled by ordinary combustibles (e.g., wood, trash, clothing)
Class B	Fueled by flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, kerosene, propane gas, plastics)
Class C	Ignited and heated by electricity