Safety in Computer Technology

General Safety Guidelines

• Prioritize safety for students, staff, and all individuals in environments with hazardous materials or equipment.
• Inform the teacher or supervisor of any safety hazards or injuries immediately.
• Maintain a clean workspace to prevent accidents.
• Be aware of the locations of safety equipment, such as phones, fire extinguishers, and fire exits.
• Wear safety eye protection when soldering or using power tools; avoid loose clothing to prevent snags or burns.
• Secure long hair when operating machinery or soldering.

Computer and Electrical Safety

• Handle all computer and electrical equipment with caution as they may involve lethal voltages.
• Avoid working on "live" circuits unless absolutely necessary and under supervision.
• Always test "dead" circuits with a tester before touching them; never bypass electrical safety devices.
• Use cords properly: grasp by the plastic insulation, avoiding pulling the cord.
• Inspect equipment and wires for damage before use; warm plugs or outlets indicate potential hazards.
• Ensure electrical connections are secure before powering devices and use grounded tools.

Safe Operational Practices

• Avoid operating electrical equipment near fluids or in wet conditions to reduce shock risks.
• Stand on dry, non-conductive surfaces during electrical work.
• Remove metal jewelry when working on electrically energized circuits due to conductivity.
• Prevent tripping hazards by managing the placement of extension cords.

Soldering Safety Protocols

• Solder may contain lead; avoid inhaling fumes and use solder sparingly.
• Allow only one person at a soldering station and clamp work securely.
• Keep soldering tools within reach and never leave the soldering iron unattended; unplug after use.
• Wear safety glasses when using power tools, including soldering irons.

Home Electrical Safety

• Electrical equipment is generally safe if used and maintained properly; hazards arise from negligence.
• Avoid hiding cords under rugs and always pull on the plug, not the cord, to disconnect appliances.
• Use protective measures such as covering unused outlets and turning off power before servicing electrical devices.
• Replace frayed cords and avoid overloading outlets with multiple devices.

Understanding Electrical Shock

• Electrical shock severity depends on voltage, current, and resistance.
• Voltages over 30 are dangerous; currents above 5 mA can cause harm, while 50 mA is typically lethal.
• Lower resistance in wet conditions increases the risk of shock.

Emergency Response to Electrical Shock

• Immediately turn off the power if someone is shocked; if unable, use non-conductive material to remove them from contact.
• Do not touch the victim until power is off, then start first-aid and alert authorities.

Electrical Fire Safety Measures

• In an electrical fire, evacuate, activate the fire alarm, and remain calm.
• Never use water on electrical fires; use an appropriate fire extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire.
• Familiarize with different fire extinguisher classes (A, B, C, ABC) for various fire types.

Additional Resources

• Refer to instructional videos on electrical safety and fire extinguisher use for further guidance.

This quiz covers essential safety practices for students and staff working with potentially hazardous materials and equipment in computer technology environments. It emphasizes the importance of awareness and adherence to safety procedures. Assess your knowledge on safety protocols to ensure a secure working environment.