Safety Rules and Workshop Practices – SS1 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (First Term)

Workshop safety is the set of rules a technician follows to protect people and equipment while repairing computers and phones.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what ESD is and state three ways to prevent it;
2. list the personal safety measures a technician should take;
3. handle a soldering iron, screwdrivers and sharp blades safely;
4. describe the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, cleaning chemicals and lead in solder;
5. state and apply the five golden rules of the workshop.

Why is workshop safety important?

Workshop safety protects the technician, the customer’s device and the workshop itself from harm.

• People: prevents cuts, burns, electric shock and poisoning.
• Equipment: prevents damage to chips, boards and screens.
• Workshop: reduces the risk of fire and keeps the place professional.

What is electrostatic discharge (ESD)?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden flow of static electricity from one object to another, such as the small spark you feel from a doorknob.

• Static electricity: electric charge that builds up on a person or object.
• Effect on people: a tiny “zap” that is harmless.
• Effect on electronics: the same spark can damage a computer chip instantly, like lightning hitting a house.
• Hidden damage: a chip may be harmed even when you cannot see or feel anything.
• Common causes: carpets, rugs, woollen cloth and walking about while handling parts.

How do we prevent ESD?

ESD is prevented by draining static charge from your body and keeping boards on anti-static surfaces.

1. Anti-static wrist strap: a band worn on the wrist and connected to the ground. It drains static from your body.
2. Touch metal: touch the metal case of the computer before you touch any green circuit board. This grounds you.
3. Anti-static mat: place the phone or motherboard on a special rubber mat, never on a carpet or woollen cloth.
4. Anti-static bags: keep loose boards and chips in these bags until you are ready to fit them.

How does a technician stay safe?

A technician stays safe by wearing the right clothing and protection and by keeping the work area tidy.

• No loose clothing: a long tie or a loose agbada can catch in computer fans or snag on sharp parts. Tuck them in.
• Remove jewellery: gold rings, silver chains and metal watches conduct electricity. Touching a live wire could cause a burn.
• Eye protection: wear safety glasses when soldering or clipping wires, because hot metal can fly up.
• Organise your space: a cluttered table leads to accidents. A heavy monitor falling off could break your foot.
• Good ventilation: work in an airy room so that solder fumes do not collect.

How should tools be handled safely?

Tools are safe when you choose the right one and use it the right way.

1. Soldering iron: it gets hot enough to melt metal (300°C to 400°C). Never leave it lying on the table. Always put it back in its stand.
2. Screwdrivers: use the right size. A big screwdriver on a tiny phone screw will “strip” the head, and the screw cannot be removed.
3. Sharp blades: always cut away from your body, never towards your fingers.
4. After use: switch off and unplug the soldering iron, and let it cool before storing it.

What are the chemical and battery hazards?

Modern gadgets use lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy and can be dangerous if damaged.

What should you do if a battery smokes or looks swollen?

• Stop: stop work and keep your face away from the battery.
• Isolate: move flammable things such as alcohol and paper away.
• Report: tell your teacher immediately.

What are the golden rules of the workshop?

There are five golden rules of the workshop: power down first, use the one-hand rule, hold boards by the edges, keep liquids away and report accidents.

1. Power down first: never work on a computer that is still plugged into the wall. Even when it is “off”, electricity can remain inside.
2. One-hand rule: if you must test a live circuit, keep one hand in your pocket. This stops current passing across your chest and heart if you get a shock.
3. Hold boards by the edges: never touch the shiny gold parts or black chips with oily fingers. Hold the board by its dry edges.
4. No liquids: keep water bottles and drinks far from the repair table. One spill can ruin a ₦500,000 laptop.
5. Report accidents: if you cut yourself or smell something burning, tell your teacher immediately.

What should you do in an emergency?

In an emergency, switch off the power first, then get help.

• Electric shock: switch off the power at the source before touching the victim, then call for help.
• Fire: switch off the power and raise the alarm. Never pour water on an electrical fire.
• Cut: wash the wound and cover it with a clean dressing.
• Burn: cool the burn under clean running water and report it.

Evaluation

1. Why is it dangerous to work on a computer while standing on a rug or carpet?
2. If a phone battery starts smelling like “sweet chemicals” or starts smoking, what is the safest thing to do?
3. State three ways of preventing ESD.
4. Why must a soldering iron always be put back in its stand?
5. Why should a technician remove metal jewellery before opening a computer?

Assignment

Write down the five golden rules of the workshop. Beside each rule, give one reason why it is important.