PERSONAL AND COMPUTER SAFETY
Computer Safety

ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) - I'm sure some winter day you've shuffled your feet on the carpet and then gotten a sharp ZAP when you reached for the door-knob.  You should be thankful you are made out of tougher stuff than the computer.  A zap many times smaller than that, so small you wouldn't even know it happened, can be fatal to some of the components inside that cabinet.  Static is a major enemy of computer components. Static can zap and ruin your computer and components instantly.

  • Static electricity is an electric charge caused by an imbalance of electrons on the surface of a material.

  • It is most commonly caused by the contact and separation of materials, ESD is much more of a problem when conditions are cold and dry.

  • An example of this occurrence would be a person walking across the floor. Static electricity is generated as their shoe soles contact and separate from the floor surface.

  • The shock we receive upon touching another object is the transfer of the static charge or balancing of our charge to that of the object. The transfer itself is called Electrostatic Discharge.

  • All materials contain electrons, but all materials contain a certain amount.

  • Static electricity cannot be removed, but we can prevent the discharge by balancing it with Anti-Static devices.

  • ESD cannot be detected if its the cause of failure for a device.
Work Area - Make sure you have a large, flat area to work on. That will minimize the chance of components falling, getting bent, or getting lost.  A big work area will also allow you to have more leg room and prevent items from getting lost.

 Objects - Sometimes it makes sense to turn your machine on with the cover off the case, to see if something works before replacing the cover. If you do this, be very careful to keep objects from accidentally falling into the box.  Dropping something like a screw inside your case can be a hazard if it isn't removed before the power is applied, because it can cause components to short-circuit.
Case Edge - You might not think of this, but watch out for sharp edges inside the case. The frame of most PCs is made from thin sheet metal, and the edges can cut or strip a wire.

 Screws -  Don't tighten screws too far or you may strip them or make it impossible to loosen them later. Don't use screws longer than around 1/8" when mounting drives or you risk damaging the data storage areas of the drive.
Is it true that its okay to have 'extra' screws left?
Warranty - Is your PC under warranty? You should realize that some companies will void your warranty if you open the PC during the warranty period. If you go to open the box and see any plastic seals stating "warranty void if broken", then that is a good hint that this applies to you, but it may even if you don't see any.
What does it mean if your computer is covered under warranty?

 Fire Extinguisher - Make sure you lab is equipped to put out any fires, natural disasters can happen at any moment.
What are the fire extinguisher types?

Which one should we use when working around computers?
Do you know what kind of 'fire extinguishers' they use in corporate areas?
Personal Safety
Electrical Precautions - Do not work on a system while it is plugged in unless you need to test for power.  Also, the wires that run from the power supply to the switch at the front of the box on older system carry live voltage when the PC is plugged in, even when it is off.

 Capacitors - The only other shock hazards you'll need to watch out for inside the cabinet are capacitors.  These re electrical components designed to store an electrical charge.  Because the electricity is stored, capacitors can give you a kick even after the power is disconnected.  Capacitors come in all shapes and sizes, and are typically found in the power supply and monitors.  Do not open up your monitor unless you are absolutely sure of what you are doing. You can electrocute yourself even with the power disconnected when inside the monitor, they can hold a charge for a long time after they have been unplugged.  It's easy enough to avoid a shock from capacitors, just don't touch them or any wires connected to them.
Case Edge - You might not think of this, but watch out for sharp edges inside the case. The frame of most PCs is made from thin sheet metal, and the edges can cut your fingers if you aren't careful.

 Tools - Using the right tools can not only prevent bruised knuckles or stripped screws, using the wrong tools can harm you.  Metal tools should never be used unless they are insulated.  Insulated materials mean that they will not allow the flow of electricity from one end to another.  When electricity can flow, we call this conductor.
What about magnetic tools?
Jewelry - It's also a very good idea to remove any rings or other jewelry from your hands before sticking them into the cabinet.  Ear rings, necklaces, bracelets and other metal object can come in contact with power and burn instantly.
What are the rules for rings?
What are the rules for ear rings?
What are the rules for necklaces?
What are the rules for bracelets?
What about watches?  

Environmental Safety
Computers are never thought to be an environmental hazard.  When is the last time you took a second look when your were dumping a TV or computer in the trash.  How many computers are in your house just lying around?

What are concerns with environmental hazards?

Computers do no biodegrade, they are made out of metal, plastic, lead, and other toxic substances.  There are currently no laws to recycle computer, yet it is becoming a serious problem.  It is our responsibility as techs.

Which of the computer components do you think is the worse?

What can you do with an old or outdated computer?