Safety First

Potential Safety Hazards

Electrical Shock Hazards

• At no time will a student remove the cover of a monitor. Even when unplugged most monitors retain an electrical charge of 25,000 Volts or more. In some circumstances this may be enough to set you heart into an irregular heart pattern. Just as a point of interest, even though we will not be working inside of monitors to repair them, it should be noted at no time would a technician wear a grounding strap while repairing a monitor. The grounding strap would provide current the quickest way to a ground and shock you badly or kill you in the process. The body is a good conductor.
• Please be aware that improperly connecting the leads on a power switch may result in a severe shock. AT switches have 120V current. Improperly attaching the leads may throw a breaker. To avoid this hazard make sure you unplug the power from the outlet before attempting to connect the switches.
• Laser printers use an electophoto process that generates charges up to 1000 Volts. It is used to charge the primary and transfer corona wires. The best way to protect you is to unplug the printer before opening it up. Even after unplugging a printer be careful to keep your hands away from the fuser assembly. This assembly can reach temperatures around 350 degrees F.
• Do not open any power supply. Power supplies have a 1000-microfarad capacitor in them. This charge is still resident even after being unplugged from the wall. If you suspect that a system has a bad power supply, swap it out for a good one. Trying to fix a bad power supply is NOT worth the risk. They are inexpensive to replace (about $45).

Other Hazards

• Do not work on a ladder over 10 feet tall. It is against the law for a student to be on a taller ladder. Do not stretch to one side to get something that is out of your reach. Move the ladder!
• Do not stand on the top 2 rungs of any ladder. Ask another student to hold the ladder as you work.
• When using the hot glue gun or soldering iron be sure and place them in the soldering iron holder. Do not leave it plugged in or unattended. Be sure and warn others that it is cooling after unplugging it.
• When using the soldering iron be sure to use safety glasses.
• The staple gun is not to be used for target practice. It is a dangerous tool that if used improperly could put out an eye.
• A cluttered work environment is a disaster waiting to happen. It is your responsibility to put your project and tools away at the end of each day. If you don't have time to put them away, don't get them out in the first place!
• Know your limits when lifting computers and other equipment. Learn proper lifting techniques. Take a wide stance and make sure you have a good grip on the object before you lift it. Keep you back straight and be careful that you do not twist or bend over from the waist. Keep the load close to your body as you lift. Bend your knees, not your back when you lift objects or lower objects.
• Do not try to place items on storage racks over 6 feet high. Store heavy items on the bottom shelves.
• Load carts safely to prevent tipping, falling, or collapsing. Do not put too many items on a cart. Dropping a monitor could cause it to implode and cause glass and gases to be released.
• Stay focused on you work. Do not participate in horse-play. There will be immediate consequences for such behavior. This is the one of the most common reasons for accidents in the workplace. It will NOT be tolerated! All horse-play will be reported directly to the instructor.