- A
Use a step stool to reach the server rack safely.
Why wrong: While a step stool might help, the primary concern is the poor lighting and dust, not height.
- B
Wear a dust mask and use a flashlight to improve visibility.
A dust mask protects against respiratory irritation, and a flashlight ensures the technician can see clearly to avoid mistakes.
- C
Remove the server from the rack and place it on the floor for easier access.
Why wrong: Placing a server on a dusty floor increases the risk of static discharge and debris ingress; it is safer to work in the rack with proper lighting.
- D
Disconnect all power cables in the rack to eliminate electrical hazards.
Why wrong: Disconnecting all power is excessive and would disrupt other systems; the technician should only work on the specific server after proper lockout/tagout if needed.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to wear a dust mask and use a flashlight to improve visibility. This prioritization is correct because the scenario presents two immediate environmental hazards—airborne particulates from the dusty conditions and poor lighting in a cramped space—that directly threaten technician safety and equipment integrity before any hardware work begins. The dust mask prevents inhalation of fine particles that can cause respiratory irritation or long-term lung damage, while the flashlight ensures the technician can clearly see cables, components, and rack edges to avoid accidental shorts or physical injury. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to apply workplace safety practices from domain 4.0, specifically recognizing that environmental controls (like PPE and illumination) take precedence over electrostatic discharge or tool selection when the workspace itself is hazardous. A common trap is choosing an anti-static wrist strap first, but remember: you cannot protect against ESD if you cannot see what you are touching or are breathing in harmful dust. Memory tip: “Mask the dust, light the way—safety first, then work all day.”
220-1202 Safety Procedures and Compliance Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of safety procedures and compliance. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is tasked with installing a new hard drive in a server rack. The rack is located in a cramped, dusty storage room with poor lighting. Which safety practice should the technician prioritize before beginning the installation?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Wear a dust mask and use a flashlight to improve visibility.
The correct answer is B because the scenario describes a cramped, dusty storage room with poor lighting, which creates two immediate hazards: inhalation of dust particles and reduced visibility. Wearing a dust mask protects the technician's respiratory system from airborne particulates, while using a flashlight ensures they can see clearly to avoid accidental contact with components or cables. These measures directly address the environmental risks before any work begins.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a step stool to reach the server rack safely.
Why it's wrong here
While a step stool might help, the primary concern is the poor lighting and dust, not height.
- ✓
Wear a dust mask and use a flashlight to improve visibility.
Why this is correct
A dust mask protects against respiratory irritation, and a flashlight ensures the technician can see clearly to avoid mistakes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Remove the server from the rack and place it on the floor for easier access.
Why it's wrong here
Placing a server on a dusty floor increases the risk of static discharge and debris ingress; it is safer to work in the rack with proper lighting.
- ✗
Disconnect all power cables in the rack to eliminate electrical hazards.
Why it's wrong here
Disconnecting all power is excessive and would disrupt other systems; the technician should only work on the specific server after proper lockout/tagout if needed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the candidate's ability to prioritize environmental and personal safety over convenience or overkill measures, and the trap here is that test-takers may choose Option D (disconnecting all power) thinking it is the safest approach, but it is excessive and not the most immediate priority given the specific conditions described.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In environments with poor air quality, dust can accumulate on sensitive electronic components like hard drive platters and read/write heads, leading to premature failure or data corruption. A flashlight with a focused beam helps the technician identify proper mounting points, cable routing, and alignment pins without relying on ambient light, reducing the risk of ESD (electrostatic discharge) from fumbling in the dark. Real-world scenarios often involve server rooms with inadequate HVAC, where dust buildup can cause thermal throttling or short circuits if not managed.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Safety Procedures and Compliance — This question tests Safety Procedures and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Wear a dust mask and use a flashlight to improve visibility. — The correct answer is B because the scenario describes a cramped, dusty storage room with poor lighting, which creates two immediate hazards: inhalation of dust particles and reduced visibility. Wearing a dust mask protects the technician's respiratory system from airborne particulates, while using a flashlight ensures they can see clearly to avoid accidental contact with components or cables. These measures directly address the environmental risks before any work begins.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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