Cheatsheet: Safety & Environmental Practices

1. Electrical Safety

1.1 Power Supply Hazards

1.2 Electrical Safety Procedures

• Disconnect power before servicing any equipment
• Remove jewelry and watches before working inside devices
• Use insulated tools when working near electrical components
• Never bypass grounding pins on power plugs
• Keep liquids away from electrical equipment
• Use surge protectors and UPS devices to protect equipment
• Check for proper ventilation to prevent overheating
• Verify correct voltage before connecting devices internationally

1.3 Fire Safety

• Never use water on electrical fires (Class C)
• Locate fire extinguishers and emergency exits before starting work
• Maintain clear pathways to exits
• Know evacuation procedures for the facility

2. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection

2.1 ESD Fundamentals

2.2 ESD Prevention Tools

2.3 ESD Best Practices

• Touch unpainted metal chassis before handling components to equalize charge
• Handle cards by edges only; avoid touching gold contacts or chips
• Leave components in antistatic packaging until ready to install
• Work on antistatic surface or directly on antistatic mat
• Avoid synthetic clothing; wear cotton when possible
• Keep components away from plastic, styrofoam, and other static-generating materials
• Maintain humidity between 40-60% in work areas
• Never pass components hand-to-hand; use antistatic bag transfers

3. Physical Safety and Ergonomics

3.1 Lifting and Moving Equipment

• Bend knees, not back when lifting; keep back straight
• Hold heavy objects close to body; lift with legs
• Use carts, dollies, or get assistance for items over 50 lbs
• Never lift CRT monitors alone; weight 40-100 lbs; lift from bottom
• Clear pathways before moving equipment
• Secure equipment on carts to prevent falling

3.2 Workspace Ergonomics

3.3 Cable Management

• Secure cables to prevent tripping hazards
• Use cable ties, clips, or channels to organize cables
• Route cables along walls or under desks
• Mark cables clearly for identification
• Avoid running cables across walkways
• Ensure proper airflow; do not block vents with cables

3.4 Physical Security

• Use cable locks to secure laptops and mobile devices
• Lock server rooms and wiring closets
• Implement badge access systems for sensitive areas
• Use security cameras in appropriate locations
• Maintain visitor logs and escort policies
• Secure equipment racks and cabinets

4. Environmental Controls

4.1 Temperature and Humidity

• Use HVAC systems to maintain consistent temperature
• Monitor server room temperature continuously
• Ensure adequate ventilation for heat dissipation
• Use dehumidifiers in damp environments
• Use humidifiers in dry environments
• Keep equipment away from heating/cooling vents

4.2 Air Quality and Ventilation

• Maintain dust-free environment; use air filtration
• Clean equipment regularly to prevent dust buildup
• Ensure adequate airflow around equipment (3-6 inches clearance)
• Use positive pressure in clean rooms
• Avoid smoking, eating, or drinking near equipment
• Install equipment in climate-controlled areas when possible

4.3 Power Conditioning

4.4 Power Anomalies

5. Disposal and Recycling

5.1 Battery Disposal

5.2 Component and Device Disposal

5.3 Chemical and Material Disposal

5.4 Data Destruction Requirements

• Software wipe: Overwrite data multiple times (DoD 5220.22-M: 7 passes)
• Degaussing: Use electromagnetic field to erase magnetic media; renders drive unusable
• Physical destruction: Shred, drill, or incinerate drives for highest security
• Certification: Obtain certificate of destruction for compliance/audit requirements
• SSD/Flash: Encryption is best; physical destruction recommended; wiping less effective due to wear leveling

5.5 Regulatory Compliance

• WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment): EU directive for e-waste recycling
• RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances): Limits lead, mercury, cadmium in electronics
• EPA regulations: Govern hazardous waste disposal in United States
• Follow local regulations for disposal; requirements vary by jurisdiction
• Maintain documentation of proper disposal for audit purposes
• Use certified e-waste recyclers; verify certifications (R2, e-Stewards)

6. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS)

6.1 SDS Information

6.2 Key SDS Sections

6.3 Common IT Chemicals Requiring SDS

• Compressed air (tetrafluoroethane/difluoroethane)
• Contact cleaners and degreasers
• Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
• Thermal compound/paste
• Toner and ink
• Cleaning solvents
• Coolants

7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

7.1 PPE Types and Uses

7.2 PPE Best Practices

• Inspect PPE before each use for damage
• Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately
• Ensure proper fit for maximum effectiveness
• Clean and store PPE properly after use
• Follow manufacturer instructions for maintenance
• Never share PPE designed for individual use
• Know location of emergency eyewash and shower stations

8. Workplace Safety Compliance

8.1 Organizational Policies

• Read and follow company safety policies and procedures
• Complete required safety training before performing tasks
• Report safety violations and hazards immediately
• Participate in safety drills and evacuations
• Know location of emergency equipment (exits, extinguishers, first aid)
• Understand incident reporting procedures
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures for equipment maintenance

8.2 OSHA Regulations

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US federal agency)
• Right to know about workplace hazards
• Right to receive safety training in understandable language
• Right to request OSHA inspection of unsafe conditions
• Protection from retaliation for reporting safety issues
• Employers must maintain OSHA 300 log for recordable injuries
• Hazard Communication Standard: Requires SDS availability and chemical labeling

8.3 Building Codes and Standards

• Electrical codes: NEC (National Electrical Code) compliance for wiring
• Fire codes: Exit signs, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems
• ADA compliance: Accessibility requirements for workstations
• Load-bearing limits: Do not exceed floor weight ratings in equipment rooms
• Emergency egress: Maintain clear exit paths, minimum 36-inch width

8.4 Incident Documentation

• Report all injuries, near-misses, and safety hazards
• Document: Date, time, location, individuals involved, witnesses
• Describe incident details objectively and completely
• Identify root cause and contributing factors
• Recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Follow up on incident reports and action items
• Maintain confidentiality per company policy and regulations