Safety Test
For
The IT Pathway
Safety Test Requirements
• Each CTE student is required to pass a safety test
related to their pathway, and must score 100% to
remain in the program.
• Each student will be given THREE attempts to
pass the safety test with 100%.
• Any student who does not score 100% by the third
attempt must be removed from the program.
• This requirement is in place to protect the student
from safety concerns related to the program, and
to protect the school system from liability.
• This safety test is based on the CompTIA 220-801
objectives and state standards for this course.
State Standards for IT Foundations
• 4.1 Implement the industrial safety standards
established by the EPA and OSHA
• 4.2 Identify and categorize safety hazards and
prevention in the IT industry
• 4.3 Exhibit acceptable dress and personal grooming
determined by the IT industry.
CompTIA 220-801 Objective
5.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate safety
procedures
• ESD straps
• ESD mats
• Self-grounding
• Equipment grounding
• Personal Safety
• Compliance with local government regulations
CompTIA 220-801 Objective
5.2 Explain environmental impacts and the purpose
of environmental controls
• MSDS documentation for handling and disposal
• Temperature, humidity level awareness and proper
ventilation
• Power surges, brownouts, blackouts
• Protection from airborne particles
• Dust and debris
• Component handling and protection
• Compliance with local government regulations
Learning Materials
• Sybex CompTIA A+ Study Guide second edition for
Exams 220-801 and 220-802
– Chapter 11
• Understanding Safety Procedures p. 504
• Understanding Environmental Controls p. 523
• TotalSem Video Training
– Disk 1
• 02. Operational Procedures
– Three Threats to your PC: ESD, RFI, and EMI
– Physical Safety
– Equipment Safety
Understanding Safety Procedures
• Safety in the IT field includes personal
safety, safety of others, and protecting
electronic parts from damage.
• We will learn to identify safety hazards
• We will learn how to maintain a safe
working environment.
Questions
1. What does ESD stand for?
2. Why is understanding ESD important for a
computer technician?
3. Which measures can be implemented to
reduce the risk of ESD?
(ESD)Electro-Static Discharge
ESD occurs when electricity is transferred from one thing to another.
Ex. You touch a metal doorknob and feel a shock
• Static electricity can kill
electronic components
• Wear an anti-static wristband
when touching any PC
component
• Lay parts on an anti-static mat
• Store electronics inside an antistatic bag.
Questions
4. What is grounding?
5. When would it be appropriate to ground
yourself?
6. When would it be dangerous to ground
yourself?
7. What measures can be taken to ground
yourself?
8. What symbol warns that parts are static
sensitive?
Self-Grounding
• Grounding yourself removes
static electricity
• You can ground yourself with a
device that connects to the
ground pin of an electrical
outlet
• Never ground yourself when
working on energized
equipment.
• Know the symbol for static
sensitive parts
Questions
9. Why is grounding used on most electronics?
10.How is equipment grounded?
11.Why is it dangerous to use equipment that
should be grounded, but is not?
12.Why is it dangerous to use equipment that
has a damaged power cord?
Ground
• Electricity is always trying to literally get into the ground
(Earth)
• The human body is mostly made of salt water, a good
conductor of electricity.
• The human body runs on electricity (heart beats, muscle
contractions, brain activity)
• If electricity can use your body to get from a device to
ground, it will.
• If electricity passes through your body, it can disrupt the
natural electrical impulses in your body (stop your heart), or
at least burn you very severely.
• NEVER allow yourself to be the path of least resistance
between electricity and ground.
Equipment Grounding
• The ground pin is a safety feature for electronics
• The ground pin allows electricity a path to ground.
• If this pin is missing, just touching a device can
electrocute you, even if the device is turned off.
• Never use a cord that is damaged, cut, or missing the
ground pin.
Personal Safety
• Disconnect power before working on any
electrical device
• Remove metallic jewelry
• Lifting and Weight limitations
• Electrical fire safety
• CRT safety and proper disposal
• Cable Management
Questions
13.What is the most important thing to do
before working on any electrical device?
14.Which computer related components store
electricity, even when unplugged?
15.What is the symbol that warns of high
voltage?
Disconnect Power
• Unplug the power cord from
the wall before working on any
electronic device.
• Remove the battery before
opening or working on any
mobile electronic device.
High Voltage Components
Some components store electricity, even when turned off.
• Never open a Power Supply Unit
(PSU)
– Found inside a desktop computer
– Found inside a laser printer
• Never open a CRT-type monitor
– Old, but still may be in use.
• Know the symbol for high
voltage
Questions
16.Why are metal objects an electrical hazard?
17.Why are liquids an electrical hazard?
Metals, Liquids, and Electricity are a
Dangerous Mix
• Remove metallic jewelry before working with electricity.
• A single screw left in a case can ruin a computer, and could
cause a fire.
• Liquids can ruin electronics and cause an electrical hazard.
• When cleaning, spray onto a cloth, then wipe the electronics
Questions
18.What are two different types of burns?
19.How do we recognize a thermal hazard in a
computer?
20.How can Dust Remover spray be hazardous?
21.What is the class rule on dust remover spray?
22.What is the proper use of dust remover
spray?
Hot Thermal Hazards
• Some computer components get hot enough to
burn you.
• If you see a heat sink or heat spreader, it means
the component gets hot.
• Allow the device to cool before touching.
Cold Thermal Hazards
• We use DUST REMOVER to clean the
inside of a PC.
• NEVER touch DUST REMOVER
unless I give you permission.
• The liquid can burn your skin (frostbite)
• Allowing liquid to spray into a PSU can
cause an electrical hazard.
• Always keep the can upright, no more
than 45 degree tilt.
• Use short bursts, to prevent liquid
spraying out
Questions
23.What things present a cutting hazard in the
IT workplace?
24.What should you do if you get cut?
Cut Hazards
• Tools of all kinds
can be a potential
cut hazard. Use
caution and know
the proper use of
all tools.
Sharp Edges
• Innocent looking edges
inside a case can be as
sharp as a razor blade.
• Higher priced cases round
the edges to remove the
sharpness
• If you get cut, tell the
instructor immediately
Questions
25.What is the symbol that warns of a laser
hazard?
26.What components in an IT work
environment can expose a technician to
lasers?
27.What are the dangers of working around
lasers?
Lasers
• A laser produces a concentrated
beam of light.
• Lasers are found in many
components, such as laser printers,
optical drives (CD/DVD/BluRay),
laser pointers, laser mice, and fiber
optics.
• A laser can cause eye damage or
blindness, never look into a laser or
fiber optic cable.
• Know the symbol that warns of the
presence of a laser
Questions
28.What is the proper way to lift a heavy or
bulky object?
29.If an object is too heavy, what are your
options?
30.When moving an object that has wires
attached, what are your options?
Lifting Techniques and
Weight Limitations
• Always remove or secure wires before lifting a
device, so you do not trip over the wires or get
them caught on something which may cause you
to drop the device.
• Always lift with your legs, not your back.
• Some components are very heavy. Use a cart or
ask someone for help.
Questions
31.Which fire extinguisher rating tells you it is
safe to use on an electrical fire?
Fire Extinguishers
For a fire extinguisher to be used on an electrical fire,
it MUST have a class C rating on the label
Questions
32.What is the proper way to hold any computer
component?
HANDLING PARTS
Always handle computer parts with care
• Do not touch the gold
connectors or the chips
• Hold parts by the edges
like a photo
• The oils from your skin
can corrode the
connectors, ESD can
destroy chips.
Questions
33.How can we prevent trip hazards in the IT
work environment?
Cable Management
• IT Technicians take apart computers, set up
computers, make and install cabling, etc.
• To insure a safe work environment, clean up as
you go. Do not leave parts, cables, backpacks, etc.
in the walk area.
Keep your work area neat and organized.
Questions
34.What does OSHA stand for?
35.What is the role of OSHA in the work
environment?
36.What does EPA stand for?
37.What role of the EPA in the work
environment?
Compliance with local government
regulations
• The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency set up
to assure safe and healthful working conditions
for working men and women by setting and
enforcing standards
• You should be aware of, and follow, OSHA
regulations in your workplace.
Environmental Impact
Environmental Controls
• The mission of the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is to protect human health and the
environment.
• The EPA ensures that federal laws protecting
human health and the environment are enforced
fairly and effectively.
• Electronic devices have various amounts of what
are considered hazardous chemicals, are
regulated by federal law, and must be disposed of
properly.
Questions
38.What does MSDS stand for?
39.What are the two primary functions of an
MSDS?
40.What should you do if you notice a hazard?
41.What should you do if you or someone else
is injured?
42.How should blood be handled?
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
• An MSDS describes safe
handling procedures for
hazardous chemicals.
• An MSDS also explains proper
disposal of hazardous
chemicals.
• There are many potentially
hazardous chemicals in our
workplaces (and homes), many
we work with every day.
• Example: Window cleaner,
Dust Remover spray, etc.
Reporting Hazardous Situations or
Accidents
• You should notify a supervisor if you notice a
workplace hazard.
• If someone is injured, no matter how minor, inform
a supervisor immediately.
• If blood is present, try to secure the area so it is not
touched or tracked around, and notify a supervisor
immediately.
• DO NOT clean blood yourself. Blood is
considered hazardous waste, and must be dealt
with properly.