Troubleshooting Practice Questions: Safety & Environmental Practices

1. A technician is working inside a desktop computer to replace a failed power supply. The computer is plugged into a wall outlet, but the power switch on the back of the PSU is in the OFF position. What should the technician do FIRST before proceeding with the replacement?
(a) Use an anti-static wrist strap connected to the computer case
(b) Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet
(c) Discharge residual power by pressing the power button
(d) Remove all expansion cards to prevent damage

2. An IT support specialist notices a faint burning smell coming from a server rack and sees light smoke emerging from one of the units. The server room has a fire suppression system installed. What is the BEST course of action?
(a) Open the server case to identify the source of smoke
(b) Activate the fire suppression system and evacuate personnel
(c) Use a Class A fire extinguisher on the equipment
(d) Continue monitoring until flames are visible

3. Which type of fire extinguisher is MOST appropriate for use on energized electrical equipment in a server room?
(a) Class A
(b) Class B
(c) Class C
(d) Class D

4. A field technician is preparing to service multiple customer computers throughout the day. The technician's van contains various tools, replacement parts, and several old computer components collected from previous jobs. What is the MOST important environmental consideration the technician should address?
(a) Organizing tools alphabetically for quick access
(b) Properly disposing of electronic waste at certified recycling facilities
(c) Keeping all components in anti-static bags
(d) Labeling all cables and components with tags

5. A technician receives a shock when touching the metal case of a desktop computer while it is running. The computer appears to function normally otherwise. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
(a) Static discharge from the technician's body
(b) Faulty power supply with improper grounding
(c) Normal electrical current from the motherboard
(d) Electromagnetic interference from nearby equipment

6. During a laptop battery replacement, a technician notices the old lithium-ion battery appears swollen and the casing is slightly cracked. What should the technician do with this battery?
(a) Puncture it to release pressure before disposal
(b) Place it in a fireproof container and dispose of it at a battery recycling center
(c) Discharge it completely then throw it in regular trash
(d) Store it in a sealed plastic bag with other electronic waste

7. A technician is working in a data center where the temperature is maintained at 68°F (20°C) and humidity at 45%. After walking across the carpeted area near the entrance, the technician needs to install a new RAM module in a server. What should the technician do FIRST?
(a) Wipe down the RAM module with isopropyl alcohol
(b) Touch an unpainted metal surface on the server rack to discharge static
(c) Increase the humidity in the room to 60%
(d) Wait 30 minutes for body temperature to equalize

8. An office manager reports that the laser printer in the copy room has a crack in the toner cartridge and black powder is visible inside the printer. The manager asks a technician to clean it immediately. What personal protective equipment should the technician use during this cleanup?
(a) Welding gloves and face shield
(b) Latex gloves and safety goggles
(c) Thermal-resistant gloves and hearing protection
(d) Steel-toed boots and hard hat

9. What is the primary purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in an IT workplace?
(a) To track inventory of hazardous materials
(b) To provide handling, storage, and emergency information for hazardous substances
(c) To document employee training certifications
(d) To record workplace accidents and injuries

10. A technician is upgrading components in a workstation located on the third floor of an office building. While carrying a new graphics card to the workstation, the technician trips on a loose carpet edge and the component falls onto the tile floor. What should the technician do FIRST?
(a) Install the graphics card to see if it still functions properly
(b) Report the incident to management and request a replacement component
(c) Clean the component thoroughly and proceed with installation
(d) Test the component in a non-critical system before customer installation

11. A network administrator is decommissioning twenty desktop computers from the accounting department that contain confidential financial data on their hard drives. The company has strict data security policies. What is the MOST secure method to prepare these drives before recycling?
(a) Format each drive using the quick format option
(b) Use drive-wiping software that performs multiple overwrite passes
(c) Delete all files and empty the recycle bin
(d) Remove the drives and store them in a locked cabinet

12. During routine maintenance in a server room, a technician accidentally knocks over a chemical cleaning solution that spills on the floor. The liquid begins to emit strong fumes and the technician is unsure of the chemical composition. What should the technician do FIRST?
(a) Use paper towels to absorb the spill quickly
(b) Open windows to ventilate the area
(c) Consult the Safety Data Sheet for proper cleanup procedures
(d) Pour water on the spill to dilute it

13. A technician is replacing a failed CRT monitor that has been in storage for several years. The monitor weighs approximately 50 pounds and needs to be moved from a storage shelf to a disposal container. What safety practice should the technician follow?
(a) Wear an ESD strap while lifting the monitor
(b) Use proper lifting techniques and get assistance due to weight
(c) Discharge the CRT by touching the anode cap with a screwdriver
(d) Wrap the monitor in anti-static bubble wrap before moving

14. An employee in a manufacturing facility calls the help desk reporting that their workstation keyboard has become sticky with an unknown liquid and several keys are not responding. The employee mentions a chemical smell. What should the help desk technician advise FIRST?
(a) Disconnect the keyboard and clean it with compressed air
(b) Continue working and submit a ticket for replacement
(c) Stop using the equipment immediately and notify the supervisor
(d) Wipe the keyboard with paper towels and test functionality

15. What is the recommended relative humidity range for a server room to minimize electrostatic discharge while preventing condensation on equipment?
(a) 10-20%
(b) 20-30%
(c) 40-60%
(d) 70-80%

16. A technician notices a colleague working inside a server without wearing an anti-static wrist strap. The colleague explains that the server is unplugged so there is no electrical danger. The server room has low humidity and synthetic carpet flooring. What should the technician explain to the colleague?
(a) ESD protection is only needed when working with motherboards
(b) The wrist strap prevents electric shock from capacitors
(c) ESD can damage components even when power is disconnected
(d) Anti-static straps are optional if you ground yourself every 5 minutes

17. A technician is preparing to service a laser printer that has a paper jam deep inside the fusing assembly. The printer was running a large print job and stopped only moments before. What safety concern should the technician address before clearing the jam?
(a) Residual toner powder may cause respiratory irritation
(b) The fusing assembly retains high temperatures that can cause burns
(c) Static electricity buildup in the paper path
(d) Sharp edges on the paper feed mechanism

18. A small IT services company is disposing of ten old UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) units that have been replaced with newer models. The UPS units contain sealed lead-acid batteries. How should these units be disposed of properly?
(a) Place them in the dumpster with regular office waste
(b) Remove batteries and take them to a hazardous waste recycling facility
(c) Drain the battery acid and recycle the plastic casings
(d) Donate them to charity regardless of battery condition

19. During a desktop computer upgrade, a technician removes an old processor and accidentally drops it onto the anti-static mat. Upon inspection, several pins on the processor appear bent. What is the BEST course of action?
(a) Use needle-nose pliers to carefully straighten the bent pins
(b) Attempt installation as the socket will straighten the pins
(c) Document the damage and obtain a replacement processor
(d) Use a credit card edge to realign all pins simultaneously

20. A technician responds to a service call at a medical office where a computer power supply has failed and emitted a popping sound followed by a strong electrical burning odor. The computer is now completely non-functional. Before beginning repair work, what should the technician verify about the work environment?
(a) The room temperature is within acceptable operating range
(b) The area is well-ventilated to disperse potentially toxic fumes
(c) All other computers on the network are functioning normally
(d) The warranty status of the failed equipment