Occupational Health And Safety

Anti-Static and Safety Precautions

Have you ever walked across a carpeted floor and gotten a shock when you touched a doorknob,
table, counter, or even another person?

That little shock you got was a result of static electricity. It was also many times what is needed
to destroy some computer components.

You see, humans can't feel a static shock until it is several thousand volts strong, but it takes less
than 30 volts to fry a sensitive computer component, such as a stick of RAM or a processor.

That's why computer technicians and home computer builders have to guard their computers
against the deadly ravages of static electricity, as well as take steps to avoid injury to yourself. A
shock that you can't even feel can seriously damage your homebuilt computer before you're even
finished building it.

Safety and Anti-Static Rules

 When possible, try to avoid working in carpeted areas. Carpeting greatly increases static
buildup within your body.
 Always use an anti-static wrist strap when working on a
computer (except when working on monitors: more
about that below). One end is an elastic band that fits
around your wrist and which is connected to an alligator
clip by a wire. The clip connects to a metal part of the
computer chassis, which equalizes the voltage between
you and the computer, thus avoiding static sparks.

Better anti-static kits also include a rubberized mat that

is placed below the computer while you are working on it. This not only provides better
anti-static protection, but also protects your table from scratches.

 Always disconnect a computer from the AC power and from any powered peripherals
while you are working on it.

 Always grasp a metal part of the computer chassis with your bare hand before you touch
anything inside. Do this even if you are wearing an anti-static wristband.

 Always handle electronic components by a non-conducting (non-metallic) edge. Don't

touch the pins or other connectors.
  Never plug an ATX power supply into AC power unless it is connected either to a
computer's motherboard or to a dummy test load.

 Always use a UL-approved surge protector or an Uninterruptible Power Supply that

incorporates surge and spike protection.

 Never eat, drink, or smoke while working on a computer.

 Always ground yourself before touching any part of the computer
 Be careful with tools that may cause short circuit
 Replace only fuses with those proper ratings
 Use only grounded plugs and receptacles
 Working area should have ventilations, trash can , fire exit and capable of being disinfect.
 Wear rubber sole shoes when standing on the ground or in a concrete floor.
 Always power off and unplug the computer before working on it.
 When making circuit changes, switch off and unplug the power cord from the equipment
then discharge the capacitors.
 Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are
recognized.
 Personal protective equipment are correctly used in accordance with organization OHS
procedures and practices.
 Hazard/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to
minimize or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment.
 Always discharge yourself before touching any part of the computer.
 Always power off and unplug the computer before working on it.
 When making circuit changes switch off and unplug the power cord from the equipment
then discharge the capacitors. 
 Hold the components by the edges and do not touch the IC’s. 
 Read and follow instructions on the manual carefully.
 Do not use excessive force if things don’t quite slip into place

 Never Use a Wrist Strap while Working on Monitors

Never use an anti-static wrist strap while working on a monitor, even if it is unplugged. Monitors
operate on very high voltages -- sometimes as high as 40,000 volts -- and can hold these voltages
for a long time even when they are unplugged. If you happen to touch a CRT monitor's anode
while you are grounded to the monitor's chassis by a wrist strap, you will probably die.

Professional computer technicians rarely work on computer monitors, and you shouldn't, either.
Call your neighborhood TV repair shop instead. Most TV repair shops are happy to repair
computer monitors, too.

Although it is unlikely that computer equipment will be dangerous in itself, it can be used in
ways which can be a hazard to health of staff. This article provides an overview of the relevant
law and risks relating to computer health and safety and provides some guidance on avoiding
problems.