Safety and Professionalism

Week 1 · Module 1: Safety and Professionalism · Download .docx

Objectives

Explain the cause and prevention of ESD
Identify correct fire extinguisher class for electrical fires
Locate and use a Safety Data Sheet
Apply correct PPE and body mechanics in the hardware lab

Key terms

ESD: Electrostatic Discharge — invisible static spark that permanently damages semiconductors below human perception threshold.
Anti-static wrist strap: Grounding strap equalizing charge between technician and chassis — worn before touching components.
SDS: Safety Data Sheet — OSHA-required hazard document for every chemical in the lab.
Class C extinguisher: Rated for energized electrical fires — uses CO2 or dry chemical, never water.
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment — safety glasses and grounding strap for hardware lab work.

The concept

Electrostatic discharge occurs when two objects with different charges make contact. The human body can build thousands of volts of static electricity but CMOS transistors fail at as little as 10 V of ESD, far below the ~3,000 V you can feel. The wrist strap provides a continuous ground path from your body to the chassis, eliminating the charge difference that causes discharge. Work on an anti-static mat and avoid carpet. For fire safety: only Class C extinguishers (CO2 or dry chemical) are safe on live electrical equipment — water conducts electricity. SDS sheets are your legal reference for every lab chemical — know where the binder is before you use any compound.

Worked examples

Example 1: [object Object]

Example 2: [object Object]

Common mistakes

Sliding feet on carpet while wearing the strap — generates new static faster than the strap drains it.
Clamping the strap to a painted surface — paint insulates; the clip must touch bare metal.
Using a Class A (water) extinguisher on live equipment — water conducts electricity.

Self-check

Try each one before you look. A miss here costs nothing and tells you exactly what to reread.

1. An ESD wrist strap prevents damage by doing what?

2. Which extinguisher is safe on a burning, live PC?

3. The correct first step before working inside a PC is:

4. Which document contains safe handling information for thermal paste?

5. Best PPE combination for standard PC hardware lab work:

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