As your knowledge and experience grow, you will learn many specific safe procedures for dealing with electricity and electronics. In the meantime:
- Always follow procedures.
- Use service manuals as often as possible. They often contain specific safety information. Read, and comply with, all appropriate material safety data sheets (MSDS).
- Investigate before you act.
- When in doubt, do not act. Ask your instructor.
General Safety Rules for Electricity and Electronics
Safe practices will protect you and your fellow workers. Study the following rules. Discuss them with others, and ask your instructor about any you do not understand.
- Do not work when you are tired or taking medication that makes you drowsy.
- Do not work in poor light.
- Do not work in damp areas or with wet shoes or clothing.
- Use approved tools, equipment, and protective devices (safety glasses in particular).
- Avoid wearing rings, bracelets, and similar metal items when working around electric circuits.
- Never assume that a circuit is off. Double-check it with an instrument that you are sure is operational.
- Some situations require a "buddy system" to guarantee that power will not be turned on while a technician is still working on a circuit.
- Never tamper with or try to override safety devices such as an interlock (a type of switch that automatically removes power when a door is opened or a panel removed).
- Keep tools and test equipment clean and in good working condition. Replace insulated probes and leads at first sign of deterioration.
- Some devices, such as capacitors, can store a lethal charge. They may store this charge for long periods of time. You must be certain these devices are discharged before working around them.
- Do not remove grounds and do not use adaptors that defeat the equipment ground.
- Use only the approved fire extinguisher for electrical and electronic equipment. Water can conduct electricity and may severly damage equipment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) or halogenated-type extenguishers are usually preferred. Foam-type extinguishers may also be desired in some cases. Commercial fire extinguishers are rated for the type of fires for which they are effective. Use only those rated for the proper working conditions. Type C fire extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires. Type ABC are suitable for use against all fires. Know where the extinguishers are and how to use them.
- Follow directions when using solvents and other chemicals. They may be toxic, flammable, or may damage certain materials such as plastics. Always read and follow the appropriate MSDS sheets.
- A few materials used in electronic equipment are toxic. Examples include tantalum capacitors and beryllium oxide transistor cases. These devices should not be crushed or abraded, and you should wash your hands thoroughly after handling them. Other materials (such as heat shrink tubing) may produce irritating fumes if overheated. ALways read and follow the appropriate MSDS sheets.
- Certain circuit components affect the safe performance of equipment and systems. Use only the exact or approved replacement parts.
- Use protective clothing and safety glasses when handling high-vacuum devices such as picture tubes and cathode ray tubes (CRTs).
- Don't work on equipment before you know proper procedures and are aware of any potential safety hazards.
- Many accidents have been caused by people rushing and cutting corners. Take the time required to protect yourself and others. Running, horseplay, and practical jokes are strickly forbidden in shops and laboratories.
Circuits and equipment must be treated with respect. Learn about how they work and the proper way of working on them. Always practice safety: your heath and life depend on it.
* Reference: Digital Electronics, Principles and Applications - fifth edition - Tokhiem Copyright
©1999
I have read and understand the above safety rules.
Signature : ___________________________________________ Date: _____________________
This document is to be printed, signed, dated and inserted into your PLTW DE notebook.
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