-
What are the key types of regulations that impact PC maintenance and installation?
-
Health and safety laws, building codes, and environmental regulations.
-
Who enforces workplace safety regulations in the United States?
-
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
-
What are the responsibilities of employers and employees regarding workplace safety?
-
Employers must provide a safe work environment, while employees must follow safety guidelines and report hazards.
-
Define current, voltage, and resistance in an electrical circuit.
-
Current is the amount of charge flowing, measured in amps (A), (b) Voltage is the potential difference, measured in volts (V), and (c) Resistance is the opposition to current flow, measured in ohms (Ω).
-
What are the risks of electric shock from faulty electrical equipment?
-
Muscle spasms, severe burns, or death.
-
What is the purpose of a fuse in electrical equipment?
-
A fuse blows when there is too much current, breaking the circuit and protecting the equipment.
-
How does grounding protect electrical equipment and users?
-
Grounding provides a safe path for electrical current if a fault causes metal parts to become live.
-
What are the correct procedures for handling electrical equipment safely during maintenance?
-
Disconnect power, remove the AC plug and battery, hold down the power button, and avoid opening power supply units without training.
-
What type of fire extinguisher should you use on an electrical fire?
-
A CO2 extinguisher (black label) or a dry powder extinguisher.
-
Why should cables be secured properly during equipment installation?
-
To avoid trip hazards and ensure cables are not accidentally disconnected.
-
What are the proper lifting techniques to avoid injury?
-
Bend your knees, keep your back straight, lift with your legs, and carry the object close to your body.
-
When should safety goggles and masks be used by computer technicians?
-
When handling hazardous materials like toner, batteries, or working in dusty environments.
-
What are the risks of dust accumulation inside computer equipment?
-
Overheating due to blocked airflow and heat dissipation, leading to component damage.
-
How should dust be removed from inside a computer?
-
Use a PC-safe vacuum or compressed air in a controlled environment, wearing a mask and goggles.
-
What are the ideal temperature and humidity levels for computer equipment?
-
Maintain around 50% humidity and avoid placing equipment in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
-
What is electrostatic discharge (ESD) and why is it dangerous?
-
ESD is a sudden flow of static electricity that can damage sensitive electronic components.
-
What tools can be used to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) during PC repairs?
-
Anti-ESD wrist or leg straps, anti-ESD mats, and grounding clips.
-
How should electronic components be stored to protect them from ESD?
-
In antistatic bags or dissipative packaging that prevent static buildup and discharge.
-
What are the most common building power issues that can affect computer equipment?
-
Surges, brownouts (under-voltage events), and blackouts (power failures).
-
What device is used to protect against surges and spikes in electricity?
-
A surge suppressor or surge protector.
-
What is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and how does it help?
-
A UPS provides temporary power during a blackout or brownout, allowing time to save files and safely shut down systems.
-
How do you calculate the minimum VA rating required for a UPS?
-
Sum the wattage of all connected devices and multiply by 1.67.
-
What is the purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
-
It provides information on hazardous materials, including safety precautions and disposal instructions.
-
What must be done with used batteries and toner cartridges from IT equipment?
-
They must be recycled through approved waste management facilities to avoid environmental harm.
-
Why is proper disposal of electronic devices important?
-
Devices contain harmful materials like lead and mercury, which can damage the environment if not properly recycled.