IT technicians work with electrical equipment and sometimes in physically demanding environments. CompTIA A+ 220-1102 tests personal safety practices, equipment handling, electrical safety, and proper lifting techniques. This guide covers every safety procedure in the A+ Core 2 objectives.
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AC electrical hazards: household current (120V AC in US, 240V in Europe) can be fatal. Computer PSU can hold lethal charge even when unplugged. Never work inside a PSU — replace the entire unit. Before working on electrical equipment: power off and unplug (not just switch off — switches on computer PSUs may not fully disconnect). Allow PSU time to discharge after unplugging (capacitors hold charge briefly). CRT monitors: contain extremely high voltage (10,000–30,000 volts) even when unplugged — capacitors hold charge indefinitely. Never open a CRT. Safe disposal required. Grounding: ensures electrical faults flow safely to ground rather than through the technician. All metal equipment should be properly grounded via the three-prong power cord. Do not remove the ground pin from a power cord. Three-prong outlet: hot (black/red), neutral (white), ground (green/bare). Two-prong = no ground — unsafe for equipment.
Proper lifting technique prevents back injuries when moving heavy IT equipment (servers, UPS units, monitors). Proper lift: stand close to the object. Bend at the knees (not the waist). Keep back straight. Lift with leg muscles (not back). Hold object close to body. Avoid twisting while lifting — turn with your feet. Team lift: for heavy equipment, get help. Servers can weigh 30-80 lbs. UPS units can weigh 100+ lbs. Ergonomics for workstation users: monitor at eye level (top of screen at eye height). Arms at 90-degree angle to keyboard. Wrist rests avoid contact with edge during typing. Chair height: feet flat on floor, knees at 90 degrees. Lighting: avoid glare on the screen. Take breaks every 30-60 minutes. Repetitive stress injuries: carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive typing/mouse use. RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury) prevention: ergonomic equipment, proper technique, breaks.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): safety equipment that protects the wearer from hazards. In IT contexts: Safety glasses/goggles: drilling in server rooms, working in confined spaces with dust. Gloves: handling sharp metal edges (server chassis), chemical handling, hot components. Hearing protection: prolonged exposure to loud cooling fans or HVAC equipment. Dust mask / N95 respirator: cleaning dusty equipment — computer dust may contain fiberglass, silica, or other particulates. Fire safety: know the location of fire extinguishers. Type C extinguisher (or ABC): for electrical fires (CO2, dry chemical, Halon substitutes — NOT water). Water extinguishers for electrical fires can cause electrocution. Hazardous materials: Toner cartridges contain fine particles — avoid inhalation. Batteries (lithium, lead-acid) contain corrosive and toxic materials. Contact with battery acid: flush with water. MSDS/SDS: Safety Data Sheets provide handling and first aid information for hazardous materials. Keep SDS documents accessible.
Proper cable management improves airflow, reduces hazards, and eases troubleshooting. Techniques: Cable ties (zip ties): bundle cables together neatly. Velcro straps: reusable, less damaging than zip ties for frequent changes. Cable trays: horizontal trays in rack cabinets for organized cable routing. Patch panels: terminate network cables in an organized manner — switches connect to patch panel, patch panel to specific ports. Label all cables at both ends: port number, destination, date installed. Color coding: different colored cables for different purposes (red = power, blue = network, yellow = console, etc.). Trip hazards: any cable crossing a walking area must be protected (cable covers, raceways, or routing through walls/ceiling). Proper airflow: unmanaged cables can block airflow in servers and rack cabinets, causing overheating. Route cables along the sides of racks, not across front/back where air flows.
These questions are representative of what you will see on A+ exams. The correct answer and explanation are shown immediately below each question.
A technician needs to use a fire extinguisher on an electrical fire in a server room. Which type of extinguisher should be used?
Explanation: Electrical fires require a Class C extinguisher (CO2, dry chemical) — the agent must be non-conductive. Water extinguishers conduct electricity and can cause electrocution. ABC multi-purpose extinguishers include Class C capability.
Do NOT use a standard household vacuum — the fine particles pass through the filter and damage the motor, or get blown back into the air. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter designed for toner. If toner gets on skin or clothing, use cold water (not hot — heat fuses toner). Avoid inhaling toner — wear a dust mask during cleanup. Check the printer/toner manufacturer's SDS for specific guidance.
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