Module 2
Module 2
TOOLS AND
EQUIPMENT
MAINTENANCE
1
INTRODUCTIO
N
This module covers FOUR main topics of this subject namely: a) Use hand tools- here
you be introduced to different handtools b) Perform Calculation and Mensuration-here you will
learn how to count binary c) Prepare and Interpret Technical Drawing d) Practice Occupational
Health and Safety Procedures
INTENDED LEARNING
DEFINITION OF
2
DISCUSSION
HARDWARE TOOLS
To complete hardware repairs, it is important to have a toolkit that should contain all of the
necessary tools. As you gain experience, you will learn which tools to have available for different
types of jobs. Hardware tools are grouped into these four categories:
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4
5
PROPER USE OF TOOLS
An antistatic mat is slightly conductive. It works by drawing static electricity away from a
component and transferring it safely from equipment to a grounding point:
1. Lay the mat on the workspace next to or under the computer case.
2. Clip the mat to the case to provide a grounded surface on which you can place parts
as you remove them from the system.
Reducing the potential for ESD reduces the likelihood of damage to delicate circuits or
components.
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Screws
Match each screw with the proper screwdriver. Place the tip of the screwdriver on the head of
the screw. Turn the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screw and counterclockwise to loosen
the screw.
Screws can become stripped if you over-tighten them with a screwdriver. A stripped screw, may
get stuck in the screw hole, or it may not tighter firmly. Discard stripped screws.
Hex driver
Use a hex driver to loosen and tighter bolts that have a hexagonal (six-sided) head. Hex bolts
should not be over-tightened because the threads of the bolts can be stripped. Do not use a hex
driver that is too large for the bolt that you are using.
CAUTION: Some tools are magnetized. When working around electronic devices, be sure that
the tools you are using have not been magnetized. Magnetic fields can be harmful to data stored
on magnetic media. Test your tool by touching the tool with a screw. If the screw is attracted to
the tool, do not use the tool.
LCD Screens
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Do not use ammoniated glass cleaners or any other solution on an LCD screen, unless the
cleaner is specifically designed for the purpose. Harsh chemicals will damage the coating on the
screen. There is no glass protecting these screens, so be gentle when cleaning them and do not
press firmly on the screen.
CRT Screens
To clean the screens of CRT monitors, dampen a soft, clean lint-free cloth with distilled water
and wipe the screen from top to bottom. Then use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the screen an remove
any streaking after you have cleaned the monitor.
Clean dusty components with a can of compressed air. Compressed air does not cause
electrostatic buildup on components. Make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area before
blowing the dust out of the computer. A best practice is to wear a dusk mask to make sure that
you do not breathe in the dust particles.
Blow out the dust using short bursts form the can. Never tip the can or use the compressed air
can upside down. Do not allow the fan blades to spin from the force of the compressed air. Hold
the fan in place. Fan motors can be ruined from spinning when the motor is not turned on.
Component Contacts
Clean the contacts on components with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing
alcohol contains impurities that can damage contacts. Make sure that the contacts do not collect
any lint from the cloth or cotton swab. Blow any lint off the contacts with compressed air before
reinstallation.
Keyboard
Clean a desktop keyboard with compressed air or a small, hand-held vacuum cleaner with a
brush attachment.
CAUTION: Never use a standard vacuum cleaner inside a computer case. The plastic parts of the
vacuum cleaner can build up static electricity and discharge to the components. Use only a
vacuum approved electronic components.
Mouse
Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the outside of the mouse. Do not spray glass cleaner
directly on the mouse. If cleaning a ball mouse, you can remove the ball and clean it with glass
cleaner and a soft cloth. Wipe the roller clean inside the mouse with the same cloth. Do not
spray any liquids inside the mouse.
TOOL AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE All tools and equipment must be properly maintained
so that workers are not endangered. Regulations require inspections of tools, machines and
equipment before use.
Preventive maintenance is the systematic care and protection of tools, equipment and machines
in order to keep them in a safe, usable condition, limit downtime and extend productivity. We
must always be aware that maintenance tasks themselves are potentially hazardous and can
result in injury. The successful maintenance program is:
well organized and scheduled,
controls hazards,
defines operational procedures, and
trains key personnel.
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The degree of detail to include regarding tools and equipment maintenance will depend on the
kinds of tools/equipment used. Some construction equipment may have very specific inspection
and maintenance requirements. Electronic equipment may have different maintenance
requirements. Hand tools may require only basic maintenance. Power tools should be
maintained in good working order. This may be limited to ensuring that blades/bits are
replaced when needed and those guards or other safety devices are operable and any damaged
electrical cords/plugs are repaired or replaced. Damaged or defective equipment/tools should
be tagged and removed from service.
Most manufacturers can provide maintenance schedules for their equipment. Large companies
typically have a comprehensive maintenance program due to the capital investment and/or
leasing agreements. Smaller companies may lease equipment and maintenance services may be
included in the leasing agreement.
To ensure that tools and equipment remain in good condition and last for a long time, store
them properly. Properly stored tools and equipment will be easy to find when needed and are
less likely to be lost.
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LEARNING TASKS #1
A. DIRECTION: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is wrong. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Selecting the best tool for each task requires training in the proper use of the
tools, field experience in their safe use, and following the manufacturer’s
guidance and instructions for that specific tool.
2. When obtaining the too, all the associated tooling and consumable parts, as
recommended by the manufacturer, must be included.
3. The safe use of a tool depends on using the tool for the purpose for which it
was designed and also for other purposes where it can be used as substitute
where tool is not available.
4. All tools should be kept in good condition with regular maintenance.
5. Preparing for a task includes only knowing the task to be done.
6. Preparing for a task includes also the sequence of tasks to be done.
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C.
A. Directions: Enumerate the following.
Good practices in the proper storage of tools: (at least 2)
1.
2.
Benefits of proper storage of tools: (at least 2)
1.
2.
B. Demonstration
Choose at least 3 tools (any tools that you have at home or available) and take a video
demonstrating on how to use and maintain the hardware tools that you have chosen.
20 (points)
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RUBRICS FOR GRADING
RESOURCES/REFERENC
12
LESSON 2: PERFORM MENSURATION AND
CALCULATION
INTENDED LEARNING
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Bit - a fundamental unit of information having just two possible values, as either of the
binary digits 0 or 1.
Byte - a unit of digital information in computing and telecommunications that most
commonly consists of eight bits.
Booting – starting (a computer) by loading an operating system from a disk. Electronic
storage - a device for recording (storing) information (data).
Firewire - Apple Computer's version of a standard, IEEE 1394, High Performance Serial
Bus, for connecting devices to your personal computer.
Hot-swappable - the connection and disconnection of peripherals or other components
without interrupting system operation.
Interface - the point of interaction or communication between a computer and any
other entity, such as a printer or human operator.
Laser - a device that emits light (electromagnetic radiation) through a process of optical
amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons.
Magnetic platter - a thin, high precision disk that is coated on both sides with a high
precision magnetic material and which is used in a hard disk drive (HDD) to store data.
Memory module - a narrow printed circuit board that holds memory chips.
Magnetic storage media - any storage medium in which different patterns of
magnetization are used to represent stored bits or bytes of information
Operating system - a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and
provide common services for application software.
Optical storage media - any storage in which data is written and read with a laser for
archival or backup purposes.
Hdd- Hard Disk Drive
IDE- Integrated Drive Electronics
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DISCUSSION
MEMORY
Although memory is technically any form of electronic
storage, it is used most often to identify fast,
temporary forms of storage. If your computer's CPU
had to constantly access the hard drive to retrieve
every piece of data it needs, it would operate very
slowly. When the information is kept in memory, the
CPU can access it much more quickly. Most forms of
memory are intended to store data temporarily.
The CPU accesses memory according to a distinct
hierarchy. Whether it comes from permanent storage
(the hard drive) or input (the keyboard), most data goes in random access memory (RAM) first.
The CPU then stores pieces of data it will need to access, often in a cache, and maintains certain
special instructions in the register.
Read-only memory (ROM) chips are located in the motherboard. ROM chips contain
instructions that can be directly accessed by the CPU. Basic instructions for booting the
computer and loading the operating system are stored in ROM. ROM chips retain their contents
even when the computer is powered down. The contents cannot be erased or changed by
normal means.
Random access memory (RAM) is the temporary storage for data and programs that are being
accessed by the CPU. RAM is volatile memory, which means that the contents are erased when
the computer is powered off. The more RAM in a computer, the more capacity the computer has
to hold and process large programs and files, as well as enhance system performance.
STORAGE DRIVES
Storage drives read or write information on magnetic or optical storage media. The drive can be
used to store data permanently or to retrieve information from a media disk. Storage drives can
be installed inside the computer case, such as a hard drive. For portability, some storage drives
can connect to the computer using a USB port, a FireWire port, or an SCSI port. These portable
storage drives are sometimes referred to as removable drives and can be used on multiple
computers. Here are some common types of storage drives: Floppy drive, Hard drive, Optical
drive and Flash drive.
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Floppy Drive
A floppy drive, or floppy disk drive, is a storage device that uses
removable 3.5-inch floppy disks. These magnetic floppy disks can
store 720 KB or 1.44 MB of data. In a computer, the floppy drive is
usually configured as the A: drive. The floppy drive can be used to
boot the computer if it contains a bootable floppy disk. A 5.25-inch
floppy drive is older technology and is seldom used.
Hard Drive
A hard drive, or hard disk drive, is a magnetic storage device
that is installed inside the computer. The hard drive is used as
permanent storage for data. In a Windows computer, the hard
drive is usually configured as the C: drive and contains the
operating system and applications. The hard drive is often
configured as the first drive in the boot sequence. The storage
capacity of a hard drive is measured in billions of bytes, or
gigabytes (GB). The speed of a hard drive is measured in
revolutions per minute (RPM). Multiple hard drives can be
added to increase storage capacity.
Traditional hard drives are magnetic. Magnetic hard drives have drive motors designed to spin
magnetic platters and the drive heads. In contrast, the newer solid-state drives (SSDs) do not
have moving parts. Because there are no drive motors and moving parts, the SSD uses far less
energy than the magnetic hard drive. Non-volatile flash memory chips manage all storage on an
SSD, which results in faster access to data, higher reliability, and reduced power usage. SSDs
have the same form factor as magnetic hard drives and use ATA or SATA interfaces. SSDs can be
installed as a replacement for magnetic drives.
Optical Drive
An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to read data
on the optical media. There are three types of optical drives:
Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc
(BD).
CD, DVD, and BD media can be pre-recorded (read-only), recordable
(write once), or rewritable (read and write multiple times).
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SATA – Serial ATA refers to the serial version of the ATA drive controller interface. A
SATA interface uses a 7-pin data connector.
SCSI – Small Computer System Interface is a drive controller interface that can connect
up to 15 drives. SCSI can connect both internal and external drives. An SCSI interface
uses a 50-pin, 68-pin, or 80-pin connector.
DIGITAL REPRESENTATION
Within a computer, information is represented and stored in a digital binary format. The term
bit is an abbreviation of binary digit and represents the smallest piece of data. Humans interpret
words and pictures; computers interpret only patterns of bits.
A bit can have only two possible values, a one digit (1) or a zero digit (0). A bit can be used to
represent the state of something that has two states. For example, a light switch can be either
On or Off; in binary representation, these states would correspond to 1 and 0, respectively.
Computers use binary codes to represent and interpret letters, numbers and special characters
with bits. A commonly used code is the American Standard Code for Information Interchange
(ASCII). With ASCII, each character is represented by a string of bits. For example:
Number: 9 = 00001001
Each group of eight bits, such as the representations of letters and numbers, is known as a byte.
Codes can be used to represent almost any type of information digitally: computer data,
graphics, photos, voice, video, and music.
To convert a decimal number to binary, all you have to do is divide the number by 2. Get the
quotient and the remainder. Bring down the quotient, divide it by 2, and get the quotient and
remainder again. Do it repeatedly until the quotient results to 0. Copy the remainder from
bottom to top, and that is the binary equivalent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puaaRoWL-Ec
Example:
25=11001
Checking: 1 1 0 0 1 multiplier
16 8 4 2 1 equivalents
16 8 0 0 1 results
16+8+1 = 25
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CALCULATING DATA STORAGE
While a bit is the smallest representation of data, the most basic unit of digital storage is the
byte.
When referring to storage space, we use the terms bytes (B), kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB),
gigabytes (GB), and terabytes (TB).
One kilobyte is a little more than one thousand bytes, specifically 1,024. A megabyte
represents more than a million bytes or 1,048,576. A gigabyte is 1,073,741,824 bytes. A
terabyte is 1,099,511,627,776. The exact number is gained by taking 2^n power.
In general, when something is represented digitally, the greater the detail, the greater the
number of bits A byte is 8 bits and is the smallest unit of measure (UOM) used to represent data
storage capacity.
needed to represent it. A low-resolution picture from a digital camera will use around 360KB,
and a high-resolution picture could use 2 MB or more.
Kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes are typically used to measure the size or storage
capacity of a device. Examples of components and devices that use byte storage include: random
access memory (RAM), hard disk drive space, CDs, DVDs, and MP3 players.
CDs have a data storage capacity of approximately 700 MB. DVDs have a data storage capacity of
approximately 4.3 GB on a single-layer disc, and approximately 8.5 GB on a dual-layer disc. BDs
have a storage capacity of 25 GB on a single-layer disc, and 50 GB on a dual-layer disc
Once we know the size of a file or folder, it is possible to determine the number of bytes being
used.
For example:
A file is 20 KB in size
1 KB = 1,024 Bytes
20 x 1,024 = 20,480 bytes in a 20 KB file
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LEARNING TASKS
A. DIRECTION: Convert the decimal numbers shown below to binary. Perform checking to
verify answers. (15 POINTS)
1) 21
2) 39
3) 71
B. DIRECTION: Solve the problems indicated below. Show your solution. (15 POINTS)
1) How many 70 KB jpg files can be stored on a 3 MB folder in your hard drive?
2) How many 6 MB mp3 files can be stored on a 1 GB flash Drive?
3) How many 750 MB avi files can be stored on a 4.3 GB DVD-R?
C.
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RESOURCES/REFERENC
19
LESSON 3: PREPARE AND INTERPRET
TECHNICAL DRAWING
INTENDED LEARNING
DEFINITION OF
Drawing- act or the art of representing any object by means of lines and shades.
Picture- visual representation or image painted, drawn, photographed, or otherwise
rendered on a flat surface.
Process- a series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result.
Technical- a person skilled in mechanical or industrial techniques or in a particular
technical field.
Flowchart-a diagram that uses graphic symbols to depict the nature and flow of the
steps in a process.
Tool kit- a small bag or box equipped with hand tools.
Tree structure- an algorithm for placing and locating files in an organized database.
Video display terminal- a computer terminal having a video display that uses a
cathode-ray tube.
VDT- Video Display Terminal
DISCUSSION
Flowchart
A flowchart is a diagram that uses graphic symbols to depict the nature and flow of the steps in
a process. Another name for this tool is “flow diagram.”
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1. Terminator
2. Process
3. Sub-process
4. Decision
5. Connector
6. Arrow lines
Arrow lines drawn in one direction, preferably from top to bottom, keep a flow chart
clear. Avoid arrow lines that loop because this could indicate redundancy in the
business process.
At the beginning of your process improvement efforts, an as-is flowchart helps your team and
others involved in the process to understand how it currently works. The team may find it
helpful t compare this as-is flowchart with a diagram of the way the process is supposed to
work. Later, the team will develop a flowchart of the modified process again, to record how it
actually functions. At some point, your team may want to create an ideal flowchart to show how
you would ultimately like the process to be performed.
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People may have differing ideas about how a process works. A flowchart can help you gain
agreement about the sequence of steps. Flowcharts promote understanding in a way that
written procedures cannot do. One good flowchart can replace pages of words.
Because of the way they visually lay out the sequence of process steps, flowcharts can be very
helpful in training employees to perform the process according to standardized procedures.
Once you break down the process steps and diagram them, problem areas become more visible.
It is easy to spot opportunities for simplifying and refining your process by analyzing decision
points, redundant steps, and rework loops.
The symbols that are commonly used in flowcharts have specific meanings and are connected
by arrows indication the flow from one step to another:
1. Oval. Ovals indicate both the starting point and the ending point of the process steps.
3. Diamond. A diamond shows a decision point, such as yes/no or go/no-go. Each path
emerging from the diamond must be labeled with one of the possible answers.
4. Circle. A circle indicates that a particular step is connected to another page or part of
the Flowchart. A letter placed in the circle clarifies the continuation.
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5. Triangle. A triangle shows where an in-process measurement occurs.
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How do you interpret flowcharts?
A flowchart will help you understand your process and uncover ways to improve it only if you
use it to analyze what is happening. Interpreting your Flowchart will help you to:
Below is a sequence of steps that will help you through an orderly analysis of your flowchart.
Step 1- Examine each process step for the following conditions that indicate a need to improve
the process:
Bottlenecks. These points in the process where it slows down may be caused by redundant or
unnecessary steps, rework, lack of capacity, or other factors.
Weak links. These are steps where are problems occur because of inadequate training of
process workers, equipment that needs to be repaired or replaced, or insufficient technical
documentation. “Inform the drill leader and improvise” is one of the weak links.
Poorly defined steps. Steps which are not well-defined may be interpreted and performed in a
different way by each person involved, leading to process variation. “Improvise” is a poorly
defined step in the weak link cited above.
Step 2-Examine each decision symbol. You may want to collect data on how often there is a “yes”
or “no” answer at decision points marked by a diamond shaped symbol. If most decisions go one
way rather than the other, you may be able to remove this decision point.
Step 3- Examine each rework loop. Processes with numerous checks generate rework and
waste. Examine the activities preceding the rework loop and identify those that need to be
improved. Look for ways to shorten or eliminate the loop.
Step 4- Examine each activity symbol. Does the step help build a key quality characteristic into
the end product? If not, consider eliminating it.
Types of flowchart
Besides the three levels of detail used to categorize Flowcharts, there are three main types of
flowcharts namely, linear, deployment, and opportunity. The level of detail can be depicted as
macro, mini, or micro for each of these types.
1. Linear Flowchart. A linear flowchart is a diagram that displays the sequence of work
steps that make up a process. This tool can help identify rework and redundant or
unnecessary steps within a process.
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2. Deployment Flowchart. A deployment flowchart shows the actual process flow and
identifies the people involved at each step. Horizontal lines define customer-supplier
relationships. This type of chart shows where the people or groups fit into the process
sequence, and how they relate to one another throughout the process.
How do we construct a linear flowchart?
1. Define the process to be flowcharted, and the purpose for flowcharting it.
2. Assemble the right people to develop the flowchart-those operations, technicians, or
office workers who are actually involved in the process.
3. Established process boundaries- the starting and ending points.
Identify the major activities or sub processes that are included in the process.
Determine what is not included in the scope of the process to remove any doubt
or confusion about the boundaries. This may also help establish the scope of
related processes.
4. List the steps, activities, and decisions to be charted. If your team is not sure about a
step, mark it to be investigated later.
5. Put the steps in chronological sequence. Sometimes it’s easier to start with the last step
and work back to the first step.
6. Assign flowchart symbols such as boxes, diamonds, and triangles.
7. Review and title the Flowchart.
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LEARNING TASK#
A. Directions: Match Column A with Column B. Write only the letter of the correct answer
on a separate sheet of paper.
Column A Column B
f.
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LEARNING TASK#
A. Directions: Using the basic symbols used for flowchart, make your own simple chart to
illustrate the process of cleaning the computer parts.
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RESOURCES/REFERENC
28
LESSON 4: PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY AND HEALTH
INTENDED LEARNING
DEFINITION OF
Chemical hazard- Any hazard that results from the accidental caused by toxic chemical.
Desktop computer- Is a personal computer (PC) in a form intended for stationary use.
Electric shock- Characterized by pain and muscular spasm cause by an electric current.
Elimination- The process of removing the hazard from the workplace.
Ergonomics- The science of designing the workplace environment to fit the user.
Hazard- A situation that has the potential to harm the health and safety of people.
Hazard Control- The development of systems to prevent accidents or injuries.
Health- The general condition of a person in all aspects.
Risk- A potential condition that a chosen action or activity causes.
Risk management- The process of analyzing exposure to risk and managing it.
Safety- The state of being “safe”.
Standards- Something accepted as a basis for comparison.
Tree structure- An algorithm for placing and locating files in an organized database.
DISCUSSIO
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT, AND RISK CONTROL
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a planned system of working to prevent illness and
injury where you work by recognizing and identifying hazards and risks. Health and safety
procedure is the responsibility of all persons in the computer and technology industries. You
must identify the hazards where you are working and decide how dangerous they are. Eliminate
the hazard or modify the risk that it presents. This Module is intended to give you some
guidelines and advice on common areas of health and safety problem in the computer industry
and to help you gain in general awareness of your responsibilities as user and technician is a
safe environment.
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There are three steps used to manage health and safety at work:
1. Spot the Hazard (Hazard Identification)
2. Assess the Risk (Risk Assessment)
3. Make the Changes (Risk Control)
At work you can use these three Think Safe steps to help prevent accidents.
Using the Think Safe Steps
1. Spot the Hazard
Key Point
A hazard anything that could hurt you or someone else.
Examples of workplace hazards include:
Ask your supervisor for instructions and training before using equipment.
Ask for help moving or lifting heavy objects.
Tell your supervisor if you think a work practice could be dangerous.
If you are not sure of the safest way to do something during work experience, always ask your
work experience supervisor.
3. Make the Changes
Key Point
It is your employer’s responsibility to fix hazards. Sometimes you may be able to fix
simple hazards yourself, as long as you don’t put yourself or others at risk. For example, you can
pick up things from the floor and put them away to eliminate a trip hazard.
Common hazards encountered by computer technicians and users
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A hazard is a situation in the workplace that has potential to harm the health and safety of
people or to damage plant and equipment. The situation could involve a task, chemical or
equipment used. Hazard management is a continuous process that can be used to improve the
health and safety of all workplaces.
Physical Hazards
One of the most common physical hazards involving computer technicians is cables
running across the floor. If someone trips, falls, and hurts himself because of a cable you ran
across the floor, someone (you, your employer, or your customer) has a serious legal negligence
problem. If you need to temporarily run a cable across the floor, place a Danger sign similar to
those “wet floor” signs used by cleaning services.
For cables that are temporary but will need to run across the floor for a longer period of time,
use “gaffers’ tape”. Gaffers tape is a heavy tape wit strong adhesive to stick to the floor. It comes
in a wide range of colors, from unintrusive matte black to hazard warning red. Although it has
strong adhesive, it can be removed easily and cleanly.
For long term cable routing there is a wide variety of cable organizing devices like cable ties,
cable wraps, and cable raceways which can be used to run cable safely the wall or ceiling.
Other common physical hazards include leaving tools on top of ladders and placing electronic
equipment in precarious positions or on support that is not sturdy enough or not designed for
holding electronic equipment.
Mechanical Hazards
When working on electronic equipment, ask yourself “Is there any way this equipment
could hurt me?”. You might stick your hand in a printer and suddenly the paper feed arm moves,
feeding not only paper through the printer, but a piece of your finger too.
You might move your hand past a computer chassis and lose a chunk of flesh because it is razor
sharp. When working on electronic equipment always be alert to any possibility of being hurt by
moving parts, hot components, or sharp edges.
Chemicals Hazards
There is a wide array of chemicals used with electronic equipment. There are display
cleaning chemicals, keyboard cleaning chemicals, compressed gas dirt and dust removers, and
many cleaning solvents. Some of these chemicals can be harmful if accidentally swallowed, get
on bare skin, or get in eyes. Before using any chemicals for electronic equipment always read
the warnings and instruction on the label.
Also be very careful when dealing with inkjet printer cartridges, or laser printer toner
cartridges. Ink and toner can stain skin, clothing, and carpet.
Electric Shock Hazards
Inside computers and electronic equipment, there is a range of voltages from 3.3 volts to
25 volts, most of these are harmless. But at the power supply, you’ll find line voltage, which is a
lethal 220 volts.
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Most of the time while working inside computers and electronic equipment, you’ll want them
unplugged from the wall socket. If you need to work on equipment while it is still plugged in or
powered up, remove all jewelry and wrist watches.
If you must work inside a line power distribution box, wear an electrician’s rubber insulated
gloves and safety glasses. You might think you don’t need these safety devices because you are
going to be extra careful, but one little slip could cause a flaming explosion that could take off
your hand, embed shrapnel in your eyes, or conduct electricity through you heart, where it
takes only 10 milliamps (0.01) to kill a human.
CRT Monitor High-Voltage Hazard
CRT Monitors are becoming less common nowadays, but should you run into one, it is best NOT
to open it up. Instead, outsource any CRT repair job to a qualified CRT repair service. A CRT
monitor has high-voltage anode inside it, which can carry a charge of up to 25,000 volts, and it
can still be holding a high charge days after the power is removed.
If you must open a CRT monitor case for some reason, be sure to study the proper way to
discharge a CRT flat blade screwdriver to shorten the anode to ground. After being discharged,
even with no power connection, the anode voltage will actually build up again. So you have to
repeatedly discharge it.
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substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
Eliminating a hazard means removing it completely; substitution is replacing one hazardous
agent or work process with a a less dangerous one. An engineering control may mean changing
a piece of machinery (for example, using proper machine guards) or a work process to reduce
exposure to a hazard; working a limited number of hours in a hazardous area is an example of
administrative control (for example, job rotation); and personal protective equipment (PPE)
includes ear and eye protection, respirators, and protective clothing.
Remember: It is always better to control the hazard as close to the source as possible. Using
personal protection is the least acceptable and least effective of all control measures.
Methods of Control
Elimination
Elimination of a specific hazard or hazardous work process, or preventing it from entering the
workplace, is the most effective method of control.
Eliminate hazards at the “development stage”
It is important to consider the worker’s health and safety when work processes are still in the
planning stage. For example, when purchasing machines, safety should be the first concern, not
cost. Machines should conform to national safety standards. They should be designed with the
correct guard on them to eliminate the danger of a worker getting caught in the cost less to
purchase, but cost more in terms of accidents, loss of production, compensation, etc.
Unfortunately, many used machines that do not meet safety standards are exported to
developing countries, causing workers to pay the price with accidents, hearing loss from noise,
etc.
Where are controls used?
Controls are usually placed:
1. At the source (where the hazard “comes from”)
2. Along the path (where the hazard “travels”)
3. At the worker
What is meant by elimination?
Elimination is the process of removing the hazard from the workplace. It is the most effective
way to control a risk because the hazard is no longer present. It is the preferred way to control a
hazard and should be used whenever possible.
What is substitution?
Substitution occurs when a new chemical or substance is used instead of another chemical. It is
sometimes grouped with elimination because, in effect, you are removing the first substance or
hazard from the workplace. The goal, obviously, is to choose a new chemical that is less
hazardous than the original.
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Employee education and training on how to conduct their work safely helps to minimize the risk
of exposure and is a critical element of any complete workplace health and safety program.
Training must cover not only how to do the job safely but it must also ensure that workers
understand the hazards of their job. It must also provide them with information on how to
protect themselves and co-workers.
Good Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential to prevent the accumulation of hazardous or toxic materials
(e.g., build-up of dust or contaminant on ledges, or beams), or hazardous conditions (e.g., poor
stockpiling).
Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies means making sure that the necessary equipment and supplies
are readily available and that employees know what to do when something unplanned happens
such as a release, spill, fire, or injury. These procedures should be written and employees should
have the opportunity to practice their emergency response skills regularly.
What should I know about personal protective equipment (PPE) as a hazard control
method?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes items such as respirators, protective clothing
such as gloves, face shields, eye protection, and footwear that serve to provide a barrier
between the wearer and the chemical or material.
It is the final item on the list for a very good reason. Personal protective equipment should
never be the only method used to reduce exposure except under very specific circumstances
because PPE may "fail" (stop protecting the worker) with little or no warning. For example:
"breakthrough" can occur with gloves, clothing, and respirator cartridges.
Why is it important to monitor and review your hazard control program and methods?
It is important to monitor both the hazard and the control method to make sure that the control
is working effectively and that exposure to the hazard is reduced or eliminated.
Some tools include physical inspection, testing, exposure assessment, observations, injury and
illness tracking, employee feedback/input, occupational health assessment, and other methods.
Be sure to answer the following questions:
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What else can be done?
A review will identify areas that may need more improvement or refinement. It is important to
know if all workplace hazards are identified, assessed, and appropriately controlled.
The workplace can be a dangerous place if various safety procedures are not properly
considered. Some precautions which can be taken to reduce the risk of accidents are:
Ensure there are no trailing wires across or around the room which people could trip
on.
Power cables should be safely secured.
Electrical sockets should not be overloaded.
Electrical equipment should be safety tested at least once a year.
There should be adequate space around desks for people to move.
Bags and obstacles should be stored out of the way so that people can't trip over them.
Food and drink should not be placed near a machine.
Heating and ventilation should be suitable for the working environment.
Work desks should be strong enough to support computers and equipment.
Staff should follow the safety regulations.
This is the science concerned with designing safe and comfortable machines for use by
people.
This includes furniture design and the design of peripherals that you need to use, such
as mouse and keyboard.
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LEARNING TASK
A. Direction: Read carefully each statement below. Place T on the line if the statement is TRUE.
Place F if the statement is FALSE.
_____ 1. Health and safety procedure are the responsibility of all persons in the computer
and technology industries.
______ 2. Spotting the hazards means working out how likely it is that a hazard will harm
someone and how serious the harm could be.
______ 3. If you need to temporarily run a cable across the floor, place a Danger sign similar
to those "wet floor" signs used by cleaning services.
______ 4. An LCD monitor has a high-voltage anode inside it, which can carry a charge of up
to 25,000 volts, and it can still be holding a high charge days after the power is removed.
______ 5. Inkjet printer cartridges, or laser printer toner cartridges are hazardous to users.
B. Direction: Identify what hazard is being illustrated in the situation below.
__________ 1. Slippery computer laboratory floor
__________ 2. Hot components, or sharp edges of computer devices
__________ 3. Laser printer toner
__________ 4. Obstructed electrical cables
__________ 5. Open CRT monitor
LEARNING TASK
A. Make a list of hazards that may be present in your own home when operating a personal
computer. Give the possible risk of the said hazards.
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B. Research about “APPLYING 5S ON YOUR COMPUTER. “
RESOURCES/
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