General Safety

Read: General Safety Rules for Electricity and Electronics

Answer safety questions.

General Safety Rules for Electricity and Electronics

Safe practices will protect you and your fellow workers. Study the following rules.

1. Do not work when you are tired or taking medication that makes you drowsy.
2. Do not work in poor light.
3. Do not work in damp arears or with wet shoes or clothing.
4. Use approved tools, equipment, and protective devices.
5. Avoid wearing rings, bracelets, and similar metal items when working around exposed electrical circuits.
6. Never assume that a circuit is off. Double check it with an instrument that you are sure is operational.
7. Some situations require a “buddy system” to guarantee that power will not be turned on while a technician is still working on a circuit.
8. Never tamper or try to override an interlock (a type of switch that automatically removes power when a door is opened or a panel removed).
9. Keep tools and test equipment clean and in good working condition. Replace insulated probes and leads at the first sign of deterioration.
10. 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.
11. Do not remove grounds and do not use adaptors that defeat the equipment ground.
12. Use only an approved fire extinguisher for electrical and electronic equipment. Water can conduct electricity and may severely damage equipment.
13. 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 material safety data sheets.
14. A few materials used in electronic equipment are toxic. Examples include tantalum capacitors and beryllium oxide transistors 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 over- heated. Always read and follow the appropriate material safety data sheets.
15. Certain circuit components affect the safe performance of equipment and systems. Use only exact or approved replacement parts.
16. Use protective clothing ad safety glasses when handling high-vacuum devices such as picture tubes ad cathode-ray tubes.
17. Do not work on equipment before you know proper procedures and are aware of any potential safety hazards.
18. Many accidents have been caused by people rushing and cutting corners. Take the time required to protect yourself and others. Running and practical jokes are strictly forbidden in shops and laboratories.
19. Never look directly into light-emitting diodes or fiber-optic cables. Some light sources, although invisible, can cause serious eye damage.
20. Circuits and equipment must be treated with respect. Learn how they work and the proper way of working on them. Always practice safety: your health and life depend on it.