🎯 Learning Intention

I will identify common technician safety hazards and describe how to prevent injury or equipment damage when working with computer hardware.

✅ Success Criteria

• I can explain the difference between electrical and electrostatic hazards.
• I can describe safe responses to heat, moving parts, or sharp-edge hazards.
• I can follow proper workspace, PPE, and emergency-response procedures.

☀️ Warm-Up (5 min)

“What’s the most dangerous thing you’ve seen happen with technology or power tools?”

Write 2–3 sentences in your Tech Journal → discuss what could have prevented it.

🧠 Mini-Lesson (15 min) — The Invisible Dangers of the Job

Core Principle: Safety in IT isn’t optional; electricity, heat, and motion can all cause damage faster than software errors.

🔌 Electrical Hazards

• Shock Risk: Occurs when current passes through the body (> 10 mA can be painful; > 100 mA can be lethal).
• Prevention:
  • Always unplug devices before servicing.
  • Use one hand rule when probing inside systems (keeps current from crossing the heart).
  • Keep drinks/liquids away from electronics.
• Capacitors: Power supplies and monitors retain charge even when unplugged — discharge properly or wait several minutes.
• Power Ratings: Match PSU wattage to load; overdraw = heat & failure.
• Grounding & ESD: Use anti-static wrist strap (connected to ground, not chassis alone), ESD mats, and static-safe bags.

🌡️ Thermal Hazards