GENERAL SAFETYGENERAL SAFETY

Electrical Injuries

Electrocution• Current kills - voltage forces the current to

flow more readily.

• 1mA – 5mA of current is safe to handle.

• 15mA or higher is enough to cause physical damage.

Burns• Electrical resistance produces heat. The

more current, the more severe the burn.

• Touching shorted components will burn you.

Electrical Injuries

Electrical Injuries

Exposure to Unsafe Materials• PCB’s - Polychlorinated biphenyls

• Florescent lights, old transformers and old capacitors

• Smoke from burning or melting components

• Battery Chemicals

• Printed Circuit Board Etching Materials

• Older, lead-based solder

Exposure to Unsafe MaterialsMaterial Safety Data Sheet Example• Used to tell exact safety, handling,

disposal, first aid, etc. for materials.• Always be cautious and check the MSDS

sheets for products you are using.

Electrical Injuries

Puncture Wounds

• Small wires can easily puncture the skin.

• Pulling out (ICs) Integrated Circuits incorrectly can cut or puncture the skin.

Electrical Injuries

General Safety Rules

1. Follow all written procedures.

2. Read service manuals, material safety data sheets or other documents that discuss specific safety precautions related to the equipment you are working with.

3. Do not disable safety lockouts, grounding prongs, or other devices designed to prevent injury.

4. Avoid damp and wet areas when working with electricity.

5. Avoid wearing jewelry or baggy clothing.

6. Assume circuits are on and check with instruments before handling wires.

7. Broken or damaged tools should be labeled: DAMAGED DO NOT USE and the instructor should be notified so that the tool may be repaired or replaced.

General Safety Rules

General Safety Rules8. Have a trusted helper control the power so

that passersby do not turn the power back on.

9. Use only the appropriate class of fire extinguisher to put out electrical fires. Only Class C fire extinguishers will put out electrical fires. Water will only make electrical fires worse.

10. Use chemicals as directed on the container.

11. Do not use any tools or equipment until instructed on their proper use.

12. Use safety glasses whenever around chemicals that may splash or objects that can be thrown.

13. Take your time. Most accidents occur when people rush their work.

14. Keep the laboratory clean and neat. Clutter and broken or dirty tools can create a safety hazard.

General Safety Rules